Physiological functions of beneficial elements.
Aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), sodium (Na), selenium (Se), and silicon (Si) are considered beneficial elements for plants: they are not required by all plants but can promote plant growth and may be essential for particular taxa. These beneficial elements have been reported to enhance resistance to biotic stresses such as pathogens and herbivory, and to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and nutrient toxicity or deficiency. The beneficial effects of low doses of Al, Co, Na and Se have received little attention compared to toxic effects that typically occur at higher concentrations. Better understanding of the effects of beneficial elements is important to improve crop productivity and enhance plant nutritional value for a growing world population.
Pilon-Smits
Elizabeth A H
EA
Biology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA. epsmits@lamar.colostate.edu
Quinn
Colin F
CF
Tapken
Wiebke
W
Malagoli
Mario
M
Schiavon
Michela
M
D000535:Aluminum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D003035:Cobalt / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D012643:Selenium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012825:Silicon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D003035:Cobalt; D012964:Sodium; D000535:Aluminum; D012643:Selenium; D012825:Silicon