Abstract

The elements selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are both crucial for the normal functioning of the thyroid. Biofortification with these elements is particularly feasible in areas where they show a deficit. Iodine and selenium can have positive effects on different plants when applied at the correct concentrations. The effects of their simultaneous addition on plant physiology and biochemistry, as well as on seed germination and sprout biomass, were studied in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. ssp. pepo). To study the effect of Se and I on sprouts, sprouts were grown from seeds soaked in solutions of different forms of Se, I and their combination in the growth chamber experiment. In the field experiment, pumpkins plants were foliarly treated with the same concentrations and forms of Se and I. The combination of Se and I treatments enhanced the germination of the soaked seeds, with no significant differences between Se and I treatments for sprout mass. The yield of pumpkins and seed production were unaffected by Se and I foliar application. The anthocyanin levels and respiratory potential measured via the electron transport system’s activity showed different patterns according to treatments and plant parts (sprouts, leaves, seeds). The redistribution of Se and I from seeds to sprouts was significant. The accumulation of Se was higher in sprouts from the seeds treated with Se together with I, compared to sprouts from the seeds treated with Se alone. Interactions between Se and I were also noted in the seeds, which developed in the treated plants.

Highlights

  • Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential trace elements for human health

  • Our aims were to improve food nutritional quality and yield, and we investigated the following: (1) how plants take up added Se and I; and (2) the individual or combined effects of Se and I on growth, crop yield and the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the plants

  • For seeds soaked in Se and I that germinated to sprouts in a growth chamber, there were significant differences between the Se and I treatments of the seeds as regards germination rates

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Summary

Introduction

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential trace elements for human health. Iodine is a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4; 3,5,30 ,50 -tetraiodothyronine) and T3 (3,5,30 -triiodothyronine).These hormones are important for metabolism, protein synthesis and enzymatic activities. Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential trace elements for human health. Iodine is a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4; 3,5,30 ,50 -tetraiodothyronine) and T3 (3,5,30 -triiodothyronine). These hormones are important for metabolism, protein synthesis and enzymatic activities. Selenium is known to be a cofactor of the enzyme iodothyronine deiodinase, which converts hormone T4 to the active T3 [1,2]. Epidemiological studies have shown that a low intake of Se can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancers. Selenium deficiency can cause various health problems, such as Keshan and Kaschin–Beck diseases

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