DAY 3Thursday, 4 December 2025

Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for crop growth, but its availability in soil is often limited, posing a challenge to agricultural productivity. This study focuses on the role of secondary metabolites in improving phosphorus efficiency in maize under low-phosphorus conditions. We examined metabolites from key metabolic pathways, including those involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, phenolic metabolism, and aromatic amino acid derivatives, for their potential to enhance phosphorus uptake and utilization. The results suggest that these metabolites can modulate various physiological processes, including root development and stress tolerance, which are essential for improving phosphorus efficiency in crops. Specifically, metabolites from the carotenoid and shikimic acid pathways have shown promising effects in boosting root biomass and improving phosphorus allocation within plants, while phenolic compounds demonstrated less significant impacts. Furthermore, the application of these metabolites appears to enhance the plant's ability to adapt to phosphorus scarcity by optimizing phosphorus uptake and improving overall plant growth and photosynthetic efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of secondary metabolites as biostimulants to enhance phosphorus efficiency, providing valuable insights for the development of sustainable agricultural practices and advanced biostimulant products.