Genetic improvement of nitrogen- and phosphorus-use efficiency in crops: Old goals with new aspirations.

作者：Wei Wang, Da Chen, Huwei Sun, Surya Kant, John P. Hammond, Lei Shi, Chengcai Chu · 发表于：Molecular Plant · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1016/j.molp.2025.12.030 · 被引用次数：16 · 研究领域：Medicine

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are indispensable macronutrients for crop growth and productivity, whereas their excessive application in agriculture has caused severe environmental degradation. Enhancing crop N-use efficiency (NUE) and P-use efficiency (PUE) is a critical strategy to reconcile high productivity with sustainability. In this review, we systematically synthesize recent advances in the genetic basis of NUE and PUE in crops, with a focus on key traits and their associated signaling networks. We summarize the identification of N/P-efficiency genes and explore how natural variations in these genes correlate with soil nutrient availability, revealing adaptive patterns from crop domestication. Given the distinct biogeochemical behaviors of N and P, we propose tailored strategies that leverage nutrient-specific traits to optimize environment-resource coordination and yield-quality balance. Finally, we discuss strategies for developing future crops cultivars with enhanced NUE or PUE to advance sustainable agriculture.