Review: Strategies for limiting dietary cadmium in cereals

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal, which in some production areas reaches levels above allowed limits in cereals. Thus, reducing its concentration in cereals is crucial for mitigating health risks and complying with food safety regulations. This review evaluates strategies to reduce Cd accumulation in cereal grains by mitigating soil Cd contamination and its bioavailability to plants. It covers methods for Cd estimation in soil and explores biological, chemical, and genetic approaches to limit Cd uptake by crops. The effectiveness of these strategies depends on genetic factors, soil properties, and crop type. Key approaches include traditional breeding, genome editing, digital and predictive soil mapping, and silicon (Si) and selenium (Se) supplementation. Traditional breeding, enhanced by modern genetic tools, enables the development of high-yielding, low-Cd cultivars but is time-consuming. Genome editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, offers precise gene modifications to reduce Cd uptake but faces regulatory constraints. Digital and predictive soil mapping provide high-resolution maps for targeted interventions but require extensive calibration. Silicon supplementation is a promising approach, as it competes with Cd for uptake sites, and limits Cd translocation to edible plant parts. Additionally, Si enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, making it a multifunctional solution. Selenium supplementation can also reduce Cd accumulation while offering health benefits. However, the effectiveness of both Si and Se vary with dosage and crop type. An integrated approach combining these strategies is essential for effective Cd reduction in cereals. Continued research, technological advancements, and supportive policies are crucial for ensuring safe and sustainable cereal production.

Keywords

Breeding; Cadmium; CRISPR/Cas9; Digital soil mapping; Silicon; Selenium; Phytoremediation

Published in

Plant Science
2025, volume: 357, article number: 112535
Publisher: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

SLU Authors

• Apuli, Rami-Petteri

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Adler, Karl

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Dixelius, Christina

  • Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Hofvander, Per

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Johansson, Eva

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Kuktaite, Ramune

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Yuzhou, Lan

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Lilja, Tua

  • Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Novakazi, Fluturë

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • University of Rostock

• Rahmatov, Mahbubjon

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Söderström, Mats

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Bengtsson, Therese

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Genetics and Breeding in Agricultural Sciences

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112535

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/142690