Effect of foliar application with selenium on biofortification and physiological attributes of irrigated rice cultivars

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is essential for human health because it is linked to important biological functions and antioxidant activity. Consumption of Se-biofortified rice can reduce the incidence of severe diseases. Although not essential, Se has been proven beneficial to vascular plants. Thus, the present study explored the effects of foliar application of Se on the biofortification, agronomic characteristics and physiological activity of 13 irrigated rice cultivars. The experiment followed a randomized block design in a strip scheme, with a 13 × 2 arrangement and four replicates. The factors included 13 commercially irrigated rice cultivars and two Se application levels (0 and 60 g ha −1). Foliar application of Se did not affect the growth and yield of the tested irrigated rice cultivars. In fact, the presence of Se during plant cultivation increased the transpiration rate and chlorophyll content. Moreover, Se accumulation in rice grains significantly varied among the tested cultivars. Overall, foliar application of Se can satisfy the minimum daily intake of this element through the consumption of grains of 11 of the 13 rice cultivars tested.