Physiological plant responses to phosphorus deficiency: A literature review

Phosphorus (P) is a macronutrient that performs functions in several physiological processes, becoming essential for the proper growth and development of plants. P limiting conditions, causes several damages, since it affects the cell homeostasis, promoting reductions in the photosynthetic rate, in respiration, and consequently can cause reductions in the production of cultures. This review shows the advances in the understanding of the physiological mechanisms of plants to increase the efficiency in the absorption of P under limiting conditions. The study was based on a bibliographic review, through the analysis of databases in scientific articles in public and private, national and international institutions. The searches were carried out on scientific bases such as: Pubmed, NCBI, SciELO and Google Scholar. The results show that under P limiting conditions, plants have different physiological mechanisms to increase the efficiency in the absorption and use of P. Among the observed mechanisms have changes anatomical root morpho, exudation of organic acids, use of high affinity transporters, as well as association with mycorrhizae. The knowledge of such advances allows genetic improvement programs, to target more efficient genotypes in the absorption and use of P under limiting conditions.