Abstract
<p id="C3">To clarify the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on nutritional characteristics of sweet corn kernels, the temporal (different filling stages) and spatial (upper, middle, and lower cob; kernel skin dregs, endosperm and embryo) variations of phytic acid (PA), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) contents and Zn bioavailability of sweet corn kernels and their responses to exogenous phosphorus fertilizer were investigated using filed phosphorus fertilizer experiment (P fertilizer location experiment for sweet corn genotypes and P fertilizer level experiment). The results were as follows: P fertilizer mainly inhibited Zn bioavailability by suppressing Zn concentration in sweet corn kernels, and increased PA concentrations concurrently. P fertilizer input showed significant effects on the accumulation of PA, P, and Zn (mg plant<sup>-1</sup>) after 16-24 days of silking, while inhibitory effects were detected on Zn bioavailability at different kernel filling stages. There was no significant difference in the kernel of PA (g kg<sup>-1</sup>) and zinc bioavailability among different cob positions under medium P treatment. However, the high P level significantly improved the accumulation of PA in the middle and lower cob, while the inhibitory effect was found on the kernel of Zn concentration and Zn bioavailability at all cob positions. Among different parts of the kernel (skin dregs, endosperm, and embryo), the concentrations of PA, P, and Zn were the highest values in the embryo and their accumulation were the highest value in the endosperm, while Zn bioavailability was also the highest in the embryo. High P treatment significantly increased PA and P concentrations and decreased Zn concentration and its bioavailability at different kernel positions. Hence, optimized phosphorus fertilizer application could promote kernel Zn accumulation, while excessive P fertilizer input significantly increased PA accumulation at different filling stages, as well as in the endosperm and embryo, and eventually had a significant inhibitory effect on kernel Zn bioavailability in sweet corn at different cob and kernel positions. This study provides a theoretical reference for the biofortification of Zn in sweet corn seeds.
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