Exploiting new tools for iron bio-fortification of rice

Rice is one of the most important staple crops and efficient iron (Fe) adsorption during growth not only improves rice yield, but also enriches this essential micronutrient in rice grains to address Fe deficiency in humans. In this article, we review updates on research into the molecular mechanisms regulating Fe uptake from soil and its transport from roots to shoots to seeds in rice plants. Understanding the regulation and expression of genes involved in Fe homeostasis will benefit the development of variants with enhanced Fe utilization to improve rice output and quality. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.