Titanium (Ti) in plant nutrition - A review

Abstract

Several studies have been carried out on the application of titanium in plant nutrition in recent decades. They indicate that this element has a positive effect on crop phenological events such as germination, root formation, vegetative growth, maturation, as well as resistance to biotic or abiotic stress conditions and general crop health status. Titanium has also been reported to boost the uptake of macro and micronutrients, enzymatic activity in plants, and consequently increase yield. Therefore, pioneering studies of foliar applications of titanium in potato crops are being carried out in Brazil. They demonstrate that titanium reduces urease enzyme activity, but increases peroxidase and nitrate reductase activity during potato growth. During tuberization, there is a positive correlation between superoxide dismutase & peroxidase enzyme activity and titanium application. Although the results are promising, more data is needed regarding the effects of this element on crop performance. This review describes the characteristics of this element and reports innovations regarding its use in plant nutrition.