Abstract
Human zinc malnutrition is a concern in the contemporary scenario. Ranked among the serious micronutrient deficiencies and considered a major cause of child mortality, especially in developing countries. Cereals, such as maize (Zea mays L.), food source in these countries, show low zinc concentration. In view of this, biofortification has been shown promise to increase the nutrient content in staple foods and to improve their nutritional quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of maize genotypes in relation to yield and zinc concentration in grains and leaves as a function of zinc sulfate doses in two growing seasons. A total of 17 commercial hybrids were evaluated in three doses (0, 5, and 10g L-1 ha-1). The zinc concentration was quantified by acid digestion, followed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis. Any change was observed in grain yield as a function of the doses. Higher doses applied near flowering resulted in higher concentrations of the micronutrient in the grains. However, the concentrations in the grains were, on average, below the value established by the Harvest Plus biofortification program. The results provide information for the selection of genotypes with zinc uptake potential aiming at food safety through agronomic biofortification.
Highlights
RESUMO A desnutrição humana por zinco é uma preocupação no cenário contemporâneo
Despite the gradual increase in grain yield recorded in recent years due to plant breeding and technologies associated with phytotechnical management, their relationship is inversely proportional to the micronutrient content found in them (Garvin et al, 2006)
The probability of micronutrients being transported to fruits and other growing regions is greater than when the application is performed via soil or seeds (Welch, 1995)
Summary
RESUMO A desnutrição humana por zinco é uma preocupação no cenário contemporâneo. Classificada entre as graves deficiências de micronutrientes, sobretudo em países em desenvolvimento, ela é considerada uma das principais causas da mortalidade infantil. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial de genótipos de milho quanto à produtividade e a concentração de zinco nos grãos e nas folhas, em função de doses de sulfato de zinco, em duas épocas de cultivo. Os resultados fornecem informações para seleção de genótipos com potencial de absorção de zinco, visando à segurança alimentar por meio da biofortificação agronômica. Malnutrition by zinc (Zn) in humans is considered a major cause of infant mortality and is classified as one of the most serious micronutrient deficiencies, affecting approximately one third of the world population. It is estimated that at least 50% of the world’s grain areas are under Zn-deficient soils, which reduces the yield and nutritional quality of cereals grown in these areas. The probability of micronutrients being transported to fruits and other growing regions is greater than when the application is performed via soil or seeds (Welch, 1995)
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