Abstract:As a staple food crop, wheat is of great significance to ensure national security and food supply. Minerals play an important role in plant growth and human health, exerting dual effects on wheat production. One is the abiotic stress caused by excessive heavy metals on plant growth. The other is insufficient acquisition of essential minerals due to low bioavailability and restricted uptake of minerals. Insufficient intake of beneficial trace minerals from wheat flour leads to serious health disorders, known as hidden hunger, which is an major nutritional problem worldwide. Microorganisms can modulate the homeostasis of trace minerals in wheat efficiently and environmentally friendly, which provides a green scheme for abiotic stress alleviation and nutrient enrichment. Therefore, on one hand, this paper summarizes the microbial regulation on the absorption of detrimental elements (Cu and Cd) and alleviation of their stress as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms from the perspective of microorganism-plant interactions. On the other hand, this paper analyzes the regulatory effects of microorganisms on the absorption, transport, and accumulation of two beneficial minerals (Fe and Zn) in wheat. In particular, the review focuses on the mechanism of endophytes in promoting Fe and Zn enrichment, which is promising for green and efficient sustainable agricultural development. This review aims to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for the application of microorganisms in improving wheat production and quality.
