Selenium Biofortification Modulates Plant Growth, Microelement and Heavy Metal Concentrations, Selenium Uptake, and Accumulation in Black-Grained Wheat.

Yuxiu Liu,Shuhua Huang,Yizhao Wang,Zhengmao Zhang,Zonghao Jiang

doi:10.3389/fpls.2021.748523

Yuxiu Liu, Shuhua Huang + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.748523

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Abstract

In Se-deficient populations, Selenium- (Se-) enriched wheat is a source of Se supplementation, and Se content can be improved by agronomic biofortification. Thus, black-grained wheat (BGW) and white-grained wheat (WGW) (as the control) were grown in Se naturally contained soils at different concentrations (11.02, 2.21, 2.02, and 0.20 mg·kg−1). Then, a field experiment was conducted to assess agronomic performance, the concentration of microelements and heavy metals, and the uptake and distribution of Se in the BGW under the application of Se ore powder. The results showed that the grain yield and grain Se concentration of wheat respectively show a significant increase and decrease from high Se to low Se areas. Higher grain yield and crude protein content were observed in Se-rich areas. The soil application of Se ore powder increased wheat grain yield and its components (biomass, harvest index, grain number, and 1,000 kernels weight). The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn, total Se, and organic Se in the grains of wheat were also increased, but Cu concentration was decreased. The concentrations of Pb, As, Hg, and Cr in wheat grains were below the China food regulation limits following the soil application of Se ore powder. Compared with the control, Se ore powder treatment increased the uptake of Se in various parts of wheat plants. More Se accumulation was observed in roots following Se ore powder application, with a smaller amount in grains. In addition, compared with the control, BGW had significantly higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Mn and accumulated more Se in grains and shoots and less Se in roots. The results indicate that wheat grown in Se-rich areas increases its grain yield and crude protein content. The soil application of Se ore powder promotes wheat growth and grain yield. Compared with WGW, BGW accumulated more Se in grains and had a higher concentration of organic Se in grains. In conclusion, the application of Se ore powder from Ziyang as Se-enriched fertilizer could be a promising strategy for Se biofortification in the case of wheat, and BGW is the most Se-rich potential genotype.

Highlights

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and is derived primarily from dietary sources (Galic et al, 2021)
The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the grain yield, grain Se concentration, and nutritional components of black-grained wheat (BGW) grown in naturally high Se, Se-rich, and low Se areas; (2) analyze the effect of Se ore powder application through the soil on grain yield and its components and microelements and to assess the safety of the edible parts of BGW and investigate its effect on the uptake and distribution of Se in wheat; and (3) make comparisons of such an effect between BGW and white-grained wheat (WGW) to assess agronomic performances and the uptake ability of BGW
Grain Se concentration, and nutritional components were compared between BGW (BGW-1 and BGW2) and WGW (WGW-1) grown in different Se areas (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and is derived primarily from dietary sources (Galic et al, 2021). According to the USDA, the need for human dietary Se intake is 55–200 μg·day−1 (Wu et al, 2015). Se deficiency in the diet is a global health problem (Galic et al, 2021), and it is estimated to be more than 1 billion people worldwide and over 70 million people in China are suffering from Se deficiency (Li et al, 2014; Jones et al, 2017). Adequate daily Se intake is essential to maintain human health

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