Final Meeting of the EU Project PhytoTrace

The project focused on improving micronutrient efficiency in crops, a key factor for sustainable agriculture and human health—particularly in regions with low-pH soils, where nutrient availability is often limited.

The PhytoTrace consortium investigated the role of phytosiderophores (PS)—organic compounds released by grass roots—in the uptake of essential micronutrients. While PS are well known for their function in iron uptake, their role in zinc and copper acquisition remains less clear.

To address this, the project applied a combination of innovative soil-based and hydroponic exudation sampling, advanced molecular techniques, and novel LC-MS/MS analysis. The aim was to identify specific plant traits that support more efficient nutrient uptake and enable the production of nutrient-dense crops suited to resource-limited environments.