Roles and mechanisms of boron in reducing cadmium accumulation in crops.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in farmland soil has become a global environmental concern, resulting in Cd pollution in crops. It is urgent to address this issue, and recent research has suggested that exogenous application of nutrient elements, including boron (B), is an effective strategy to decrease Cd accumulation in crops. Boron, an essential micronutrient for plants, plays a key role in maintaining cell integrity, promoting nitrogen metabolism, and enhancing nutrient absorption. Boron enhances Cd tolerance and reduces Cd accumulation in crops by regulating ROS homeostasis, heavy metal transport proteins, and promoting Cd chelation onto cell walls. However, the precise mechanism by which B regulates Cd accumulation remains unclear. This paper summarizes the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which B regulates Cd accumulation in crops. We believe that the rational application of B in light to moderate Cd-contaminated areas could effectively reduce Cd accumulation in crops, ensuring the safety of agricultural products in these regions.