Biofortification via foliar application of zinc in oat grains and the effects on nutritional quality and productivity indicators

Abstract

Foods enriched with zinc can reduce the rates of many diseases and health expenses. Oat, as a nutraceutical food, represents a potential nutritional source by increasing the levels of zinc in the grains by biofortification. The objective of the study is zinc enrichment in oat grains and caryopses, with analysis of productivity indicators, industrial and chemical quality of the grains for technology validation. The experiment was carried out in 2017, 2018 and 2019, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with eight replications and five levels of zinc doses (0, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 g ha-1) applied via foliar in the grain filling phase. There are almost no changes in oat panicle components due to the effect of biofortification doses by the compound with zinc, and no change in grain yield regardless of agricultural year. Indicators of industrial quality and organic composition of oat grains are not effectively affected by biofortification, ensuring the use of technology without compromising these variables. Considering caryopsis the edible product of oats, from 2000 g ha-1 of zinc sulfate, biofortification of the product is guarantee. Biofortification via foliar by the compound with zinc promotes a significant increase of zinc in oat grains and caryopsis, however, reducing the iron content in these structures