The Essential Role of Macronutrients and Micronutrients in Improving Crop Resilience to Biotic Stress

Abstract

Abstract Biotic stressors, such as pathogens and herbivorous insects, significantly reduce global agricultural productivity, resulting in estimated annual yield losses of 10–40% and considerable economic damage. Plant nutritional status fundamentally influences defense mechanisms against these biotic challenges. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted roles of mineral nutrients in enhancing plant immune responses and resilience to biotic stress factors. This review examines how macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, B, Cl, Si) influence plant defense through strengthening structures, regulating biochemical pathways, and activating signalling cascades. It specifically highlights the dual roles of nitrogen in forming structural barriers and influencing pathogen susceptibility, potassium’s role in regulating stomatal function and activating defense enzymes, calcium’s contribution in maintaining cell wall integrity and defense signalling, as well as the catalytic functions of micronutrients in antioxidant systems and phenolic compound synthesis. The review also explores mechanistic aspects of nutrient-mediated immunity, including calcium-dependent signalling pathways, potassium-regulated jasmonic acid synthesis, nitrogen modulation of defense-related proteins, and micronutrient cofactor roles in reactive oxygen species metabolism. Furthermore, the review examines nutrient combinations that work synergistically to improve effectiveness against certain pathogens and pests, while also assessing practical applications of strategic nutrient management in various cropping systems. It concludes by highlighting existing knowledge gaps and suggesting future research avenues, with a focus on integrating molecular methods to clarify nutrient-defense interactions and validating nutrient-based strategies in various agroecological regions.

Topics & Concepts