Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance Zinc Uptake and Utilization Efficiency in Cereal Crops

Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient in both plants and humans for healthy growth and development. The lesser Zn accessibility causes about 20% yield loss along with low Zn content in grains. About 30% of the human population in the world rely on Zn deficient diets. Dietry Zn deficiency causes impairment of physical growth, immune system functioning, reproductive health, and neurobehavioral development in humans. In various physiological processes, Zn plays a key role and serves as a cofactor for various enzymes and proteins in numerous essential biochemical pathways in both plant and animal. Consequently, it is important to increase Zn content of cereal grains such as rice, maize and wheat. Many investigations have been accomplished to improve Zn deficiency tolerance and improving Zn content in grains. In this regard, improving Zn use efficiency is the most meaningful approach that involves modifying root system architecture, solubilization of Zn complex by organic acids, root exudates, and Zn uptake and translocation mechanism in plants. Here we present an outlook of different biotechnological approaches to improve Zn use efficiency and producing cereals with superior grain quality.