Advancing Wheat Productivity Through Nutrient Interactions, Fertilizer Practices, and Genetic Improvement

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Nutrient Management

Background:

• Global wheat production faces challenges balancing yield intensification with nutritional quality.
• Current approaches often overlook the intricate biological complexity of nutrient interactions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize advances in wheat nutrient management from a systems perspective.
• To present a novel conceptual framework linking nutrient interaction networks with genotype- and environment-specific responses.
• To advance a biologically informed framework for sustainable wheat production.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on wheat nutrient management.
• Development of a conceptual framework integrating nutrient interactions, fertilization, and genetics.
• Analysis of evidence on nutrient dynamics, micronutrient management, and genetic variation.

Main Results:

• Plant performance is driven by coordinated nutrient dynamics, with key interactions like nitrogen and sulfur influencing efficiency.
• Targeted micronutrient management (zinc, selenium) offers a practical route for agronomic biofortification.
• Significant genetic variation exists for nutrient-use efficiency and yield stability, supporting integrated breeding and fertilization strategies.

Conclusions:

• A systems approach to wheat nutrient management, considering interactions and genetics, is crucial for optimizing productivity and nutritional outcomes.
• Sustainable wheat production can be enhanced through integrated strategies combining advanced fertilization practices with genetic improvement.
• Emerging technologies like genomic-assisted selection and gene editing hold promise for future advancements.