Bioengineering Techniques to Improve Nitrogen Transformation and Utilization: Implications for Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Future Sustainable Crop Production

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and development, especially in physiological and biochemical processes such as component of different proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and plant growth regulators. Six categories, such as transporters, nitrate absorption, signal molecules, amino acid biosynthesis, transcription factors, and miscellaneous genes, broadly encompass the genes regulating NUE in various cereal crops. Herein, we outline detailed research on bioengineering modifications of N metabolism to improve the different crop yields and biomass. We emphasize effective and precise molecular approaches and technologies, including N transporters, transgenics, omics, etc., which are opening up fascinating opportunities for a complete analysis of the molecular elements that contribute to NUE. Moreover, the detection of various types of N compounds and associated signaling pathways within plant organs have been discussed. Finally, we highlight the broader impacts of increasing NUE in crops, crucial for better agricultural yield and in the greater context of global climate change.

Macronutrients for Plants Growth and Humans Health

“…Nitrogen is largely found in the earth's atmosphere, accounting for 78.09% of the total amount, and exists as a colorless, and tasteless gas, it is a vital component of plants, accounting for 1.5-2.0% of plant dry matter and Nitrogen, the sixth most abundant element in our solar system, is also required by all current cells, it is a necessary component of all proteins and enzymes and is involved in the metabolic processes of energy transformation (Jackson, P. J., et al Plants have evolved intricate physiological and morphological responses to varied patterns of nitrogen supply in order to manage their development and growth, the effect of nitrogen on the metabolism of essential and non-essential amino acids has been studied (Wevar Oller, A. L., et al 2023), Nitrogen supply affects plant hormonal state, and phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cytokinins (CK) are strongly connected to nitrogen signaling (Joshi, H., et al 2023), Nitrogen availability is tightly associated with cytokinins in many plant species, and cytokinin metabolism and translocation are influenced by nitrogen nutritional status (Ahmad, N., et al 2023). Research has focused on nitrogen fixing, and nitrogen absorption including genes, genetic, biochemical, and ecological issues, and future possibilities in sustainable agricultural growth (Alam, I., et al 2023). Nitrogen deficiency symptoms vary by plant type, but frequent symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing of older leaves, and decreased yields; in extreme cases, plants may even die, plants require adequate nitrogen for proper growth and development, table 2, (Rosen, C., et al 2023).…”

The Future of Agriculture and Food: Sustainable Approaches to Achieve Zero Hunger

“…One key to sustainable production is more efficient nutrient utilization by plants to minimize the need for fertilizers. A review of bioengineering techniques to improve nitrogen transformation and utilization indicates there are many promising genetic improvement technology strategies that should be actively pursued to unravel this highly complex process . At the same time, there are creative research efforts underway to make fertilizers from biodegradable materials, such as nanomaterials, which continue to deliver nutrients over time. − Both improved soil nutrient utilization by crops and sustainable fertilization systems will be required to make progress on increasing food production.…”