Abstract
Foliar selenium (Se) fertilisation has been shown to be more efficient than soil-applied fertilisation, but the dynamics of absorption and translocation have not yet been explored. An experiment was undertaken to investigate time-dependent changes in the absorption, transformation, and distribution of Se in wheat when 77Se-enriched sodium selenate (Sefert) was applied to the leaves at a rate of 3.33 μg Se per kg soil (equivalent to 10 g ha−1) and two growth stages, namely stem elongation, Zadoks stage 31/32 (GS1), and heading stage, Zadoks stage 57 (GS2). The effect of urea inclusion in foliar Se fertilisers on the penetration rates of Se was also investigated. Wheat was harvested at 3, 10, and 17 days and 3, 10, and 34 days after Se applications at GS1 and GS2, respectively. Applying foliar Se, irrespective of the formulation, brought grain Se concentration to a level high enough to be considered adequate for biofortification. Inclusion of N in the foliar Se solution applied at an early growth stage increased recoveries in the plants, likely due to improved absorption of applied Se through the young leaves. At a later growth stage, the inclusion of N in foliar Se solutions was also beneficial as it improved the assimilation of applied inorganic Se into bioavailable selenomethionine, which was then rapidly translocated to the grain. The practical knowledge gained about the optimisation of Se fertiliser formulation, method, and timing of application will be of importance in refining biofortification programs across different climatic regimes.
Highlights
Micronutrient deficiencies affect one in three people globally [1] as a result of intake patterns or absorption rates that fall below the level required to sustain good health and development [2]
The partitioning data showed that the majority (>63%) of the applied Selenium fertilisers (Sefert) was measured in the treated leaves up to 10 days after application, which decreased to
With high Sefert recoveries in the aboveground biomass, limited losses of the applied foliar Se fertilisers to the environment were observed. This was confirmed by Sefert levels in the foliar rinses being below analytical detection limits
Summary
Micronutrient deficiencies affect one in three people globally [1] as a result of intake patterns or absorption rates that fall below the level required to sustain good health and development [2]. Selenium (Se) is one such micronutrient that is currently consumed at lower-than-recommended levels in many parts of the world. Combs [3] estimated that 0.5–1 billion people worldwide were at risk of Se deficiency diseases as a result of inadequate dietary Se intake. Selenium is an essential nutrient for both humans and animals [4]. It has been shown to have antiviral effects, be beneficial for reproduction, and lower autoimmune thyroid disease risks. Its role as an antioxidant and a potential anticarcinogen has been appraised [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
