Abstract:Phosphorus (P), one of the essential nutrients, plays an irreplaceable role in plant growth and development. Elucidating the physiological and molecular biological regulatory mechanisms of phosphorus absorption and utilization in plants is the basis for the genetic improvement on the efficiency of crop phosphorus absorption and utilization. Due to the similar chemical properties of arsenate and phosphate, the absorption of pentavalent arsenic may increase simultaneously with the improvement of crop phosphorus absorption. Therefore, during the process of genetic improvement on crop phosphorus absorption efficiency, attention should also be focused on the content of arsenic elements in crops, especially in edible parts. This article reviews the research progresses on plant phosphate absorption and transport, phosphate signal regulation mechanisms, as well as the molecular mechanisms of coupled absorption of phosphorus and arsenic. The current studies on the genetic improvement of crop phosphorus efficiency were also summarized. This review provides reference for the genetic improvement on crop phosphate efficiency and related biosafety assessment.
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