Bioengineering and management for efficient phosphorus utilization in crops and pastures

Phosphorus (P) is one of the three macronutrients for plants. Because of its low mobility and high fixation in soils, low P availability is a worldwide constraint for crop productivity. Molecular biology provides great opportunities to improve P efficiency in plants. However, transgenic plants cannot be commercialized before integrating all the knowledge on bottlenecks for improving P efficiency of crops/pastures. This review intends to summarize the main strategies of bioengineering to improve P efficiency of crops/pastures, including conventional and molecular assisted breeding, identification and application of key genes for biotech plants. It highlights recent advances in the understanding of improving P efficiency through the integration of bioengineering with P fertilization and cultivation management.

Graphical abstractStrategies for improving efficient phosphorus utilization in crops and pastures: 1. Conventional and marker assisted selection breeding; 2. Transgenic modification; 3. Optimization of P fertilization and cultivation management.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (89 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Phosphorus efficiency is improved via conventional and marker assisted selection breeding. ► The vital genes are applied to improve P efficiency through biotech. ► Optimization of P fertilization and cultivation management improves P efficiency. ► It is vital to integrate bioengineering, P fertilization and cultivation management.