| Journal of Phytological Sciences
Received: 17 August 2026; Revised: 20 September 2026; Accepted: 22 September 2026; Published Online: 24 September 2026.
J. Phytol. Sci., 2026, 1(1), 26901 | Volume 1 Issue 1 (September 2026) | DOI: https://doi.org/10.64189/ps.26901
© The Author(s) 2026
This article is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC-BY-NC 4.0)
Micronutrient Dynamics in Purple Cauliflower:
Physiological Roles, Molecular Regulation,
Anthocyanin Accumulation and Future Perspectives -
A Critical Review
Dinesh Kumar Meena,
Sanjay Kumar,*
Diksha Sangh Mitra, Ratan Kumar Pal and Sunil Kumar Rawat
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central
University) Vidya Vihar Raebareli Road Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226025, India
*Email: sanjay123bhu@gmail.com (Sanjay Kumar)
Abstract
Purple cauliflower has emerged as a high-value functional vegetable owing to its elevated anthocyanin
accumulation, distinct visual appeal and superior antioxidant activity. Mineral nutrition, particularly
micronutrients, governs crucial physiological pathways, photosynthetic activity, enzymatic cofactors and
structural wall synthesis required for optimal curd formation and secondary metabolite production.
Deficiencies in essential micronutrients like boron, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, chlorine and
nickel impair vegetative growth, delay curd initiation, induce physiological disorders and severely diminish
anthocyanin concentration. Recent progress in functional genomics, transport biology and multi-omics has
illuminated the complex molecular networks that dictate micronutrient uptake, cellular homeostasis and
metabolic crosstalk. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of micronutrient dynamics in purple
cauliflower. It presents a systematic literature search methodology, details transporter systems (e.g., ZIP,
BOR1/BOR4, NRAMP, IRT1, MOT1) and transcriptional networks and delineates the regulatory influence of
micronutrients on structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (PAL, CHS, CHI, F3H, DFR, ANS,
UFGT). Furthermore, advanced biofortification models, nano-fertilizer integration, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, AI-
assisted precision nutrition and multi-omics frameworks are critically evaluated to establish future strategies
for climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crop production.
Keywords: Purple Cauliflower; Micronutrients; Anthocyanin Biosynthesis; Transporter Genes; Biofortification;
CRISPR/Cas; Precision Agriculture.
1. Introduction
Micronutrient
Primary Physiological &
Biochemical Role
Specific Deficiency
Symptoms/Pathology in Cauliflower
Recommended Management
Strategy
Boron (B)
Pectic polysaccharide cross-linking
in the cell wall (RG-II), cell wall
development, membrane integrity
and translocation of sugars towards
developing curds
Hollow stem, internal tissue
browning, cracking of curd surface,
poor curd development and reduced
anthocyanin retention
Soil application of borax @
10-
of Solubor @ 0.2% at curd
initiation
Zinc (Zn)
Involved in auxin (IAA)
biosynthesis, carbonic anhydrase
activity, enzyme regulation and
ribosome structural stability
Disturbed leaf development,
interveinal chlorosis, shortened
internodes and reduced curd
diameter
0.5% or Zn-EDTA @ 0.2%
during early vegetative
growth
Iron (Fe)
Essential for electron transport in
photosynthesis, chlorophyll
formation and functioning of
cytochromes and other redox
enzymes
Severe interveinal chlorosis,
particularly in young leaves, with
reduced chlorophyll content and
impaired photosynthetic activity
or application of Fe-EDDHA
through root-zone treatment,
particularly in alkaline soils
Manganese
(Mn)
Essential component of the oxygen-
evolving complex of Photosystem II
and an important cofactor of
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
other enzymes
Speckled interveinal chlorosis,
reduced photosynthetic activity and
poor plant development
@ 0.3%, particularly where
soil pH is above 7.2
Copper (Cu)
Involved in plastocyanin-mediated
electron transfer, polyphenol
oxidase activity, lignin biosynthesis
and structural development
Leaf curling, weak stem structure,
reduced lignification and impaired
reproductive/curd development
0.1% or appropriate soil
application of copper
sulphate
Molybdenum
(Mo)
Essential cofactor of nitrate
reductase and other enzymes
involved in nitrate metabolism and
nitrogen assimilation
elongated leaves, reduced leaf blade
development and stunted curd
development
Seed treatment with
ammonium molybdate @ 2-3
application of ammonium
molybdate @ 0.05%
Crop
Predominant
Phytochemical Matrix
Primary Micronutrient Requirement
Curd/Head Physiological
Vulnerability
Purple
Cauliflower
Anthocyanins, particularly
cyanidin-3-sophoroside,
along with glucosinolates
Higher requirement for B for cell wall
development and sugar transport; Zn and
Fe support enzyme activity associated
with phenylpropanoid metabolism
Anthocyanin pigmentation is
sensitive to environmental stress;
B deficiency may cause hollow
stem and poor curd development
White
Cauliflower
Glucosinolates, ascorbic
acid and relatively low
levels of flavonoid
pigments
B supports cell wall integrity and helps
reduce physiological disorders; Mo is
important for nitrogen metabolism and
prevention of whiptail
Sensitive to curd browning, poor
curd development and loose curd
architecture under micronutrient
deficiency
Broccoli
Sulforaphane,
glucoraphanin, lutein,
chlorophyll and other
antioxidant compounds
Zn and S are important for enzyme
activity, glucosinolate metabolism and
antioxidant defence
High post-harvest susceptibility to
floret yellowing due to rapid
chlorophyll degradation
Cabbage
Aliphatic glucosinolates,
polyphenols and other
antioxidant compounds
Ca and B are important for cell wall
strength, membrane stability and
prevention of physiological disorders
Susceptible to head splitting and
internal tip burn, particularly
under irregular moisture
availability and inadequate B
supply
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