Nicotianamine-driven nickel transport to sink organs underpins maize productivity.

ZmNAET1 is a key nicotianamine-dependent transporter that controls nickel allocation to maize seeds, and its loss causes major yield and seed-life defects.

• Why it matters: Nickel homeostasis in plants and its genetic basis for agricultural performance remain unclear, limiting efforts to improve cereal productivity through micronutrient management.
• What they did: Genome-wide association analysis identified ZmNAET1, and mechanistic work showed it mediates nicotianamine secretion and NAET1-dependent phloem loading and Ni delivery to urease in developing sink organs.
• The result: Maize mutants lacking ZmNAET1 show significant yield penalties, slower seed germination and drastically shortened seed longevity, while supplemented Ni fully rescues germination and vegetative development.

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