Plant mineral accumulation, use and transport during the life cycle of plants: a review

Minerals accumulated during each stage of plant development are important, especially for the initial portion of subsequent stages of growth. For example, minerals acquired during seed ontogeny are largely responsible for the earliest stage of seedling growth. Without these minerals, seedling development would be arrested or impossible. Thus, even though the amount of minerals may be relatively small in the seed, their presence is absolutely essential. Similarly, although the mineral nutrient content of a seedling used as a transplant in establishing a crop in the field may seem rather minuscule, the importance to the initiation of development of the successive stage of growth is critical. Moreover, seedling-mineral content, plant performance and seed production can be improved by the selection of optimal cultural practices. This review examines acquisition, content and use of minerals in the various stages of plant development and growth as well as agricultural approaches to enhance mineral accumulation. Key words: Nutrient uptake, field crop establishment, seed mineral content, seed yield, crop growth