Jin Zhou , Minli Xu

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Field Crop, 2024, Vol. 7, No. 5   
Received: 13 Aug., 2024    Accepted: 25 Sep., 2024    Published: 18 Oct., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Micronutrient deficiencies pose a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions with limited access to diverse diets. Agronomic biofortification, a promising approach to enhancing nutrient content in staple crops, holds great potential for addressing these deficiencies through maize cultivation. This study explores the concept and methods of agronomic biofortification, focusing on strategies such as soil amendment and foliar application to increase micronutrient uptake in maize. A comparative analysis with genetic biofortification is also provided. Case studies from regions where biofortified maize has been successfully implemented highlight the effectiveness of these interventions. Factors such as soil type, climate, and agricultural practices are discussed in relation to the efficacy of biofortification. The study further examines the positive impact of biofortified maize on human health and nutrition, providing evidence of improved micronutrient intake and health outcomes. The study concludes by discussing future opportunities for expanding biofortification programs, recommending integration with other nutritional interventions, and advocating for increased research and policy support to address global micronutrient deficiencies.

Agronomic biofortification; Maize; Micronutrient deficiencies; Soil amendment; Public health