Iron and Manganese Poisoning in Rice: Physiological Mechanisms, Management and Future Prospects

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-8082.2026.02.007

Abstract

Abstract:

Rice serves as the staple food for over 50% of the global population. In regions such as Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, rice production is severely affected by iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) toxicity, resulting in yield losses ranging from a minimum of 15% to, in severe cases, complete crop failure. Fe and Mn toxicity often occurs in soil environments with high organic matter content or prolonged flooding, where Fe and Mn are reduced to their more reactive forms, Fe³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺, leading to metabolic disorders in plants. Currently, production management measures to mitigate Fe and Mn toxicity primarily include the screening of Fe/Mn-tolerant rice varieties, the combined application of phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and nitrogen fertilizers, as well as the integrated use of calcium oxide and water management strategies. However, the regulatory effects of physiologically alkaline fertilizers are unsatisfactory in high-organic-matter, neutral soils, and paddy fields under prolonged flooding. Given the commonalities between human and plant Fe/Mn toxicity, future research should enhance interdisciplinary integration and establish a systematic and comprehensive research framework to provide a more solid theoretical foundation and more effective practical strategies for the prevention and control of Fe and Mn toxicity in rice.

Key words: rice, iron and manganese poisoning, physiological mechanism, management measures

摘要：

水稻是全球超过50%人口的主食。在南亚、东南亚和非洲地区，水稻生产深受铁（Fe）、锰（Mn）中毒影响，造成的产量损失少则15%，高的甚至绝收。Fe、Mn中毒常发生于高有机质含量或长期淹水的土壤环境，在该土壤中Fe³⁺和Mn⁴⁺被还原为活性较高的Fe²⁺和Mn²⁺形态，进而引发植物代谢失调。当前，减轻Fe、Mn毒害的生产管理措施主要包括耐Fe、Mn品种筛选，磷（P）、钾（K）、锌（Zn）与氮（N）肥的施用以及氧化钙和水分管理综合运用等。不过生理碱性肥料在高有机质、中性土壤以及长期淹水稻田中的调控效果均不理想。鉴于人类Fe、Mn中毒与植物Fe、Mn中毒存在共性，未来研究可加强跨学科整合，构建系统完整的研究体系，为水稻Fe、Mn中毒防治提供更坚实的理论基础和更有效的实践策略。

关键词: 水稻, 铁锰中毒, 生理机制, 管理措施

CLC Number:

S511

TU Guoqing, WU Jiaxiang, ZHANG Yichen, GUO Shiwei, XU Jiuliang, ZHAO Zhengxiong. Iron and Manganese Poisoning in Rice: Physiological Mechanisms, Management and Future Prospects[J]. China Rice, 2026, 32(2): 38-44.

涂国青, 吴加香, 张一晨, 郭世伟, 徐玖亮, 赵正雄. 水稻铁锰中毒及调控策略研究进展[J]. 中国稻米, 2026, 32(2): 38-44.

Figures/Tables 3

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