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Cobalt: An Essential Micronutrient for Plant Growth?
Xiu Hu1, Xiangying Wei2, Jie Ling3
1College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|December 6, 2021
Summary
Cobalt (Co) may be an essential micronutrient for plants, crucial for nitrogen fixation in legumes and other plants. Further research will clarify its role in plant metabolism and crop production.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Mineral nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cobalt (Co) is essential for mammals but its role in plants is unclear.
- Lower plants and legumes require Co for growth and nitrogen fixation.
- Co is a component of vitamin B12, vital for nitrogen (N) fixation enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and explore the potential essentiality of cobalt (Co) as a micronutrient for plants.
- To review the known roles of Co in plant growth, metabolism, and nitrogen fixation.
- To highlight the implications of Co deficiency and toxicity in crop production.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on cobalt in plant biology.
- Analysis of Co's role in nitrogen fixation by symbiotic microbes and diazotrophs.
- Discussion of Co's involvement in plant enzymes and metabolic processes.
Main Results:
- Cobalt (Co) is essential for nitrogen (N) fixation in symbiotic microbes (rhizobia) and endophytic diazotrophs.
- Co is a component of enzymes and proteins involved in plant metabolism.
- Plants can suffer Co deficiency, and high concentrations of Co are toxic, causing symptoms like chlorosis and iron deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Cobalt (Co) is a potentially essential micronutrient for plants, particularly for nitrogen fixation.
- Understanding Co's role can improve crop production and plant mineral nutrition strategies.
- Advanced omics technologies are expected to further elucidate Co's specific functions in plants.
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