Abstract

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for crop plants, essential for their growth and productivity. However, inefficient nitrogen utilization poses significant challenges, including environmental pollution and economic losses. Molecular genetics offers promising avenues for addressing these issues by unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying nitrogen uptake, assimilation, and utilization in crop plants. This review explores recent advances in molecular genetics techniques, such as genome-wide association studies, transcriptomics, and gene editing, in elucidating the genetic basis of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) traits in various crop species. Additionally, we discuss strategies for improving NUE through targeted manipulation of key genes involved in nitrogen metabolism pathways, including nitrate transporters, nitrogen assimilation enzymes, and nitrogen remobilization factors. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of molecular breeding approaches, including marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, for accelerating the development of high-NUE crop varieties tailored to diverse agro-ecosystems. By harnessing the power of molecular genetics, researchers and breeders can pave the way for sustainable agriculture practices that optimize nitrogen use while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring food security in the face of global challenges.