Around two billion people are affected by iron (Fe) malnutrition globally, largely contributed by the consumption of cereal-based diets with low levels of iron and reduced bioavailability due to presence of inhibitor compounds like phenols and phytic acid. Among several methods of enhancing Fe content of staples, genetic biofortification is the most sustainable, and cost-effective method. Genetic biofortification through conve...

Soil contamination with toxic heavy metals [such as arsenic (As)] is becoming a serious global problem because of the rapid development of the social economy. Although plant growth-promoting rhizo-bacteria (PGPR) and nanoparticles (NPs) are the major protectants to alleviate metal toxicity, the study of these chemicals in combination to ameliorate the toxic effects of As is limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted t...