Study Reveals How Nano-Selenium Coordinates Plant-Microbiome Systems for Sustainable Crops
2026-06-01
A research team led by Prof. CHEN Yaning from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XIEG), found that foliar nano-selenium functions as a smart coordinator linking photosynthesis, root nutrient allocation and rhizosphere microbes. It improves crop yield and quality while cutting fertilizer use and greenhouse gas emissions, providing a new pathway for sustainable agriculture. The finding was published in Trends in Plant Science on May 12, 2026.
Modern agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilizers for high yields, yet excessive use of fertilizers, especially nitrogen, causes serious environmental hazards. Balancing productivity, environmental protection, and profit has become a top global agricultural challenge.
The study reveals that selenium-engineered nanomaterials (SeNMs) serve as both micronutrient carriers and redox-active regulators inside plants. They improve photosynthesis, strengthen antioxidant defenses, regulate phytohormones, and reshape rhizosphere microbial communities. In simple terms, nano-selenium works as a “communication bridge” connecting aboveground plant metabolism with belowground microbial activity (Fig. 1).
In rice trials, SeNMs application increased photosynthetic performance by over 40% under reduced nitrogen conditions. Enhanced photosynthesis generated more carbohydrates, which were transported to roots and released into the rhizosphere, stimulating beneficial microbes involved in nitrogen cycling and nutrient mineralization. Related nitrogen absorption and transport genes are also triggered to raise nitrogen use efficiency and curb nutrient loss. Notably, rice treated with SeNMs maintained full-fertilizer yields with 30% less nitrogen input.
The synergistic system also contributed to substantial environmental, agronomic and economic benefits. Methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and ammonia (NH₃) emissions decreased significantly via optimized microbial regulation and higher nitrogen utilization. Crops gain higher protein, amino acid, starch and selenium levels. Reduced fertilizer inputs enhanced grain quality and market value.
SeNMs also dynamically coordinate plant physiology, microbial function and nutrient cycling processes. Researchers describe nano-selenium as a “redox conductor” that continuously adjusts photosynthesis, sugar allocation, stress responses, and rhizosphere activity according to environmental conditions.
The research outlines future precision agriculture systems where nano-enabled technologies could work alongside crop breeding, microbial engineering, and real-time monitoring. Scientists may eventually track photosynthesis, nutrient allocation, microbial activity, and redox signals simultaneously, allowing crops to optimize productivity with minimal environmental impact. Such technologies could help farmers produce more food with fewer fertilizers, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and greater resilience to climate change.
This study establishes a clear conceptual framework. By coordinating plant-microbiome systems through nano-selenium-mediated redox regulation, agriculture may transition from heavy agrochemical dependence toward more precise, efficient, and environmentally sustainable production systems, helping secure future food security under global environmental change.
Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.023
Fig. 1. Conceptual framework illustrating foliar selenium nanomaterial-mediated redox regulation, enhanced photosynthesis, rhizosphere microbiome recruitment, optimized nitrogen turnover, stress resilience, reduced greenhouse-gas emissions, improved rice productivity, grain selenium enrichment, and associated biosafety and deployment challenges. (Image by XIEG)
Contact
CHEN Yaning
Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography
E-mail: chenyn@ms.xjb.ac.cn