Enhancing Plant Growth and Yield Quality Through Molybdenum Application: Trends, Future and Directions

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive synthesis of molybdenum (Mo) research from 1999 to 2025, analyzing 500 peer-reviewed publications from the Web of Science, with a detailed analysis of 200 documents focusing on Mo's role in plant nutrition and growth. This integrated approach highlights the evolving scientific focus on Mo, emphasizing its biochemical functions and agronomic importance in enhancing crop production and quality. These findings underscore Mo's critical contribution to sustainable agriculture and align with the global food security goals outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This review identifies key research gaps, including the need for large-scale field validation, crop- and soil-specific Mo requirements, and nutrient interaction studies under stressful conditions. Future research should prioritize multi-location trials and advanced omics techniques to optimize Mo management and improve crop resilience and yield. Limitations include reliance on English, open-access publications, and variability across studies; however, the combined bibliometric and physiological analysis offers a robust foundation for advancing Mo research in agriculture.