Advancing nitrogen use efficiency in cereal crops: A comprehensive exploration of genetic manipulation, nitrogen dynamics, and plant nitrogen assimilation

Nowadays, researchers are focused on sustainable crop growth as the world population is rising at an alarming rate. Therefore, global food safety and security are major concerns. Cereals play a significant role in mitigating hunger at a global level. The main factor responsible for the rise in cereal production has been the increased use of inorganic nitrogen. Due to rising nitrogen application, inefficient use, and the negative effects of excess nitrogen on the environment, soil and human health, therefore there is an immediate need to increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) through management and genetic manipulation. The limitation of nitrogen management due to nitrogen runoff, denitrification, and other nitrogen losses that cause ecological hazards has shifted attention to increasing NUE. This review explores the role of nitrogen in plants, its assimilation and transport, and new approaches to genetically improving of cereal crops with high nitrogen use efficiency. The article focused on the need for genetic manipulation and management strategies to fully realise NUE's potential in cereal crops i.e., rice, wheat etc. It also highlights the current trend of using genetic insights from plant systems biology to promote cereal crop breeding strategies that reduce reliance on fertiliser without sacrificing yield. The urgent challenge of optimising NUE while ensuring food security and environmental well-being can be met through the synergistic application of management practices, genetic breakthroughs, and breeding innovations that have the potential to reshape the future of agricultural sustainability.