Plant sciences
Corn reduces arsenic toxicity in soil
When crops grow in arsenic-contaminated soil, this toxic element accumulates in the food chain. A study by the University of Bern and the University of Basel has now discovered a mechanism used by corn plants to reduce arsenic uptake.
Arsenic is a toxic metalloid of natural origin. Arsenic-contaminated soils and waters are found all over the world, especially in southeastern Asian countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China. Also, Switzerland has a few natural hot spots where arsenic is found in above-average concentrations.
As research team involving the Universities of Basel and Bern has now reported, corn reduces arsenic toxicity through compounds known as benzoxazinoids. These substances are produced by most plants in the botanical group of grasses, which also includes corn and wheat. Corn produces particularly large quantities of benzoxazinoids, which are also released into soil through the root system.
