Selenium in Acmella Oleracea (l.) R. K. Jansen Grown in Hydroponics: Thresholds Between Biofortification and Toxicity

Abstract

Objective: With the possibility of using non-conventional food plants to minimise the impact of nutritional deficiencies in selenium, this research sought to determine the levels of maximum absorption efficiency and tolerance of Acmella Oleracea to the element. Theoretical background: Almost 1 billion people in the world are deficient in selenium (Se). As it is a fundamental element for human health, vegetable biophotification programmes, as a form of nutritional supplementation, have covered a range of plants such as lettuce, basil, rice, corn, among others. Method: In a completely randomised experiment, 60 plants were grown in hydroponics, supplemented with Se at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg.L-1, plus a control. Biometric and physiological variables and Se content in Acmella Oleracea were measured. Factor analysis was used to measure the effects of Se and the plant's dose/response relationship. Results and conclusion: Acmella Oleracea grew and assimilated 818.72±58.59 µg.kg-1 in the aerial part when exposed to a dose of 5 mg.L-1 for 28 days, differing positively from the control plants. The maximum dose that the plant tolerated, already showing signs of toxicity, was 10 mg.L-1 for 28 days. Research implications: This research has implications for the way Acmella Oleracea is managed and can be used as a guide in the breeding process, making this plant an alternative for mitigating Se malnutrition in various parts of the world, especially in the Amazon. Originality/value: This research is original and in line with the objectives of sustainable development and socio-environmental management, as it shows that the use of unconventional vegetables that are often adapted to various regions of the planet can be a viable alternative to mitigate the various forms of malnutrition and food insecurity.