Effect of breeding for lowered cadmium concentrations in chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) on foliar micronutrient concentrations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Concentrations of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se) and iodine (I) were measured in chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) plants previously selected for either high or low foliar cadmium (Cd), and progeny lines from crossings within the high and low Cd populations. Micronutrient levels were lower and more variable, with the exception of Se, in the low Cd progeny plants compared to the parental levels but the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, and I still met or exceeded grazing animal requirements. This means that breeding for low Cd chicory does not pose an immediate risk to the animal’s micronutrient nutrition for these elements. Cobalt and Se in the low Cd progeny lines were lower than the recommended levels for New Zealand pastures to sustain animal health but the population size sampled was relatively limited and there may be more variation contained in a larger population. Concentrations of both these micronutrients should be monitored in any breeding programme for low-Cd chicory. This would allow plants with the highest shoot concentrations of both elements to be used.