Zinc-deficiency resistance and biofortification in plants

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a well-documented problem in plants, causing decreased yields and nutritional quality. When facing a shortage in Zn supply, plants acclimatize by enhancing the Zn acquisition. In this review, we highlight recent progress in understanding of plant resistance to Zn deficiency and discuss the future challenges to fully unravel its molecular basis of regulation. Emphasis is given on the physiological and molecular basis of Zn acquisition, the long-distance transport of Zn and the genotypic variations in Zn use efficiency of plants. Prospects of Zn biofortification strategies as well as further efforts for crop improvement to overcome Zn deficiency are also addressed.