Summary
White and Broadley's 2009 narrative review in New Phytologist evaluates evidence-based strategies for biofortifying staple and horticultural crops with seven micronutrient elements frequently deficient in human diets. The authors examine the physiological mechanisms controlling mineral uptake and accumulation in plants, alongside practical interventions including targeted mineral fertilisation and plant breeding approaches. The review integrates soil–plant interactions within a systematic assessment of crop-based fortification's realistic contribution to addressing global micronutrient deficiencies.
Regional applicability
The review's evidence on mineral uptake mechanisms and breeding strategies is broadly applicable to UK crop production systems, particularly for cereal and vegetable breeding programmes. However, specific fertilisation recommendations may require adaptation to UK soil conditions and nutrient availability, and the relative contribution of crop biofortification to addressing UK micronutrient deficiencies (as opposed to dietary diversity or supplementation) would need context-specific evaluation.
Key measures
Mineral element concentrations in crops; uptake and accumulation mechanisms; fertilisation response; genetic variation; breeding potential
Outcomes reported
The narrative review synthesises evidence on agronomic and genetic approaches to increase concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, selenium and iodine in staple and horticultural crops. The authors evaluate soil–plant interactions, mineral uptake mechanisms, and practical interventions including fertilisation and plant breeding strategies.
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