Vanadium in Plant Systems: A Double-Edged Sword Between Growth Promotion and Phytotoxicity

Abstract

Vanadium is an emerging trace element in plant science, exhibiting dual behavior as both a growth-promoting agent and a phytotoxic contaminant. At low concentrations, vanadium enhances seed germination, biomass production, and nutrient metabolism, while at higher levels it disrupts photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and induces oxidative stress. Its impact on plants is strongly governed by speciation, soil properties, and bioavailability. Although plants possess detoxification mechanisms such as sequestration and antioxidant defense, increasing environmental accumulation poses risks to agriculture and food safety. Understanding vanadium’s context-dependent role is essential to resolve its classification and develop sustainable management and remediation strategies in agroecosystems.