Foliar Biofortification Research Articles

Zinc Biofortification of Selective Colored Rice Cultivars: Improvement of Zinc Uptake, Agronomic Traits, and Nutritional Value

It is difficult for ordinary rice to break the zinc-rich standard. However, employing multiple unique rice cultivar resources through biofortification of agronomic measures to achieve the target is a promising attempt. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted on seven different colored rice cultivars (GFHN 166, GFHN 168, GFHN 169, GH 1, GXHZ, GHSZ, and YXN), aiming to analyze the effect on zinc content, growth, quality, and health risk index when spraying zinc (400 g/ha) on the leaves at the heading age. The result indicated that after foliar biofortification treatment, the zinc content and the zinc accumulation of colored rice grains could reach up to 41.55 mg/kg and 2.28 mg/pot, respectively, increased by 43.92% and 65.22%. In addition, the SPAD value and grain protein content was 42.85 and 8.49%, also increased significantly by 2.15% and 2.91%, respectively. Among these, GXHZ and GHSZ could realize the zinc content of polished rice up to 69.7 mg/kg and 55.4 mg/kg, breaking through the standard of zinc-enrich rice (45 mg/kg). GXHZ plant height increased by 11.22%, and the zinc harvest index (6.44%) and zinc use efficiency (26.79%) were the highest. Meanwhile, the biofortification promoted the SPAD value of GHSZ and the protein content of GFHN 166 by 4.95% and 24.81%, respectively. Foliar-applied zinc at the heading stage is a vital practice to get better agronomic indicators, quality, and grain zinc biofortification of colored rice.

Enhancement of Nutritional Substance, Trace Elements, and Pigments in Waxy Maize Grains through Foliar Application of Selenite.

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient known for its essential role in human health and plant metabolism. Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis kulesh)-known for its high nutritional quality and distinctive flavor-holds significant consumer appeal. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of foliar Se spraying on the nutritional quality of waxy maize grains, with a focus on identifying varietal differences and determining optimal Se dosage levels for maximizing nutritional benefits. We employed a two-factor split-plot design to assess the nutritional quality, trace elements, and pigment content of jinnuo20 (J20) and caitiannuo1965 (C1965) at the milk stage after being subjected to varying Se doses sprayed on five leaves. Our findings indicate superior nutrient content in J20 compared to C1965, with both varieties exhibiting optimal quality under Se3 treatment, falling within the safe range of Se-enriched agricultural products. JS3 (0.793) demonstrated the highest overall quality, followed by JS2 (0.606), JS4 (0.411), and JS1 (0.265), while CS0 had the lowest (-0.894). These results underscore the potential of foliar biofortification to enhance the functional component contents of waxy maize grains.

Physiological quality of white oat seeds produced with Nitrogen, Iron and Zinc biofortification

The main function of the seed is the perpetuation of the species, which means it is able to disperse to new environments and give rise to new plants. The use of high quality seeds is one of the determining factors for the establishment of the crop and is directly related to maximum germination potential and vigor, resulting in uniformity of the plant stand. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the physiological quality of white oat seeds produced under different nitrogen management and foliar biofortification with iron and zinc. In the second week of June 2021, white oat cultivar URS Corona was sown in plots of 5 lines, 5 m long each and spacing between lines of 0.20 m, totaling an experimental unit of 5 m². The treatments consisted of different doses of biofortification with Iron and Zinc applied foliarly to the plant when the inflorescence was exposed, at the beginning of grain filling. For biofortification, the source of iron used was the compound of FeSO4 7H2O and zinc, ZnSO4 5H2O was used, each nutrient was applied separately and the combination of iron + zinc at doses of 0, 1000, 2000 and 4000 g ha-1, and to aplication of nitrogen use ureia 45%. Applications were carried out with a knapsack sprayer, in a spray volume of 500 liters ha-1. The experiment was harvested 130 days after emergence, in the full maturation phase, at phenological stage 90, according to the ZADOKS scale. The tests carried out to evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds were: first germination count, germination, accelerated aging, root length, shoot length, total length, seedling dry mass and electrical conductivity. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% probability of error. For the variables that showed a significant effect, an average test was carried out for qualitative sources of variation and polynomial regression for quantitative sources of variation with a 5% probability of error, carried out with the aid of the GENES software. From the evaluations, it was concluded that the use of foliar biofortification with iron and zinc alone or in combination, aplication with nitrogen influenced the physiological quality of white oat seeds.

Selected adjuvants increase the efficacy of foliar biofortification of iodine in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain.

Agronomic biofortification of crops is a promising approach that can improve the nutritional value of staple foods by alleviating dietary micronutrient deficiencies. Iodine deficiency is prevalent in many countries, including Australia, but it is not clear what foliar application strategies will be effective for iodine fortification of grain. This study hypothesised that combining adjuvants with iodine in foliar sprays would improve iodine penetration in wheat, leading to more efficient biofortification of grains. The glasshouse experiment included a total of nine treatments, including three reference controls: 1) Water; 2) potassium iodate (KIO3) and 3) potassium chloride (KCl); and a series of six different non-ionic surfactant or oil-based adjuvants: 4) KIO3 + BS1000; 5) KIO3 + Pulse® Penetrant; 6) KIO3 + Uptake®; 7) KIO3 + Hot-Up®; 8) KIO3 + Hasten® and 9) KIO3 + Synerterol® Horti Oil. Wheat was treated at heading, and again during the early milk growth stage. Adding the organosilicon-based adjuvant (Pulse®) to the spray formulation resulted in a significant increase in grain loading of iodine to 1269 µg/kg compared to the non-adjuvant KIO3 control at 231µg/kg, and the water and KCl controls (both 51µg/kg). The second most effective adjuvant was Synerterol® Horti Oil, which increased grain iodine significantly to 450µg/kg. The Uptake®, BS1000, Hasten®, and Hot-Up® adjuvants did not affect grain iodine concentrations relative to the KIO3 control. Importantly, iodine application and the subsequent increase in grain iodine had no significant effects on biomass production and grain yield relative to the controls. These results indicate that adjuvants can play an important role in agronomic biofortification practices, and organosilicon-based products have a great potential to enhance foliar penetration resulting in a higher translocation rate of foliar-applied iodine to grains, which is required to increase the iodine density of staple grains effectively.

Enhanced accumulation of phenolics in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds upon foliar application of selenate or zinc oxide.

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential antioxidant enzyme cofactors. Foliar Se/Zn application is a highly effective method of plant biofortification. However, little is known about the effect of such applications on the concentration of trace elements and phytochemicals with pro-oxidant or antioxidant activity in pea (Pisum sativum L.). A 2-year pot experiment (2014/2015) was conducted to examine the response of two pea varieties (Ambassador and Premium) to foliar-administered sodium selenate (0/50/100 g Se/ha) and zinc oxide (0/375/750 g Zn/ha) at the flowering stage. Concentrations of selected trace elements (Fe, Cu, and Mn), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP) of seeds were determined. Se/Zn treatments did not improve the concentration of trace elements, while they generally enhanced TPC. Among examined treatments, the highest TPC was found in Ambassador (from 2014) treated with 100 g Se/ha and 750 g Zn/ha (2,926 and 3,221 mg/100 g DW, respectively) vs. the control (1,737 mg/100 g DW). In addition, 50 g of Se/ha increased TFC vs. the control (261 vs. 151 mg/100 g DW) in Premium (from 2014), 750 g of Zn/ha increased ABTS vs. the control (25.2 vs. 59.5 mg/100 g DW) in Ambassador (from 2015), and 50 g of Se/ha increased FRAP vs. the control (26.6 vs. 18.0 mmol/100 g DW) in Ambassador (from 2015). In linear multivariable regression models, Zn, Mn, Cu, and TPC best explained ABTS (R = 0.577), while Se, Cu, and TPC best explained the FRAP findings (R = 0.696). This study highlights the potential of foliar biofortification with trace elements for producing pea/pea products rich in bioactive plant metabolites beneficial for human health.

Foliar Selenate and Zinc Oxide Separately Applied to Two Pea Varieties: Effects on Growth Parameters and Accumulation of Minerals and Macronutrients in Seeds under Field Conditions.

Though selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) constitute essential nutrients for human health, their deficiencies affect up to 15% and 17% of the global population, respectively. Agronomic biofortification of staple crops with Se/Zn may alleviate these challenges. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a nutritious legume crop that has great potential for Se/Zn biofortification. Herein, two varieties of pea (Ambassador, Premium) were biofortified via foliar application of sodium selenate (0/50/100 g of Se/ha) or zinc oxide (0/375/750 g of Zn/ha) during the flowering stage under field conditions. While no significant differences were found in Se accumulation between seed varieties upon Se treatments, selenate enhanced the accumulation of Se in the two seed varieties in a dose dependent manner. Selenium concentration was most elevated in seeds of Ambassador exposed to 100 g of Se/ha (3.93 mg/kg DW compared to the control (0.08 mg/kg DW), p < 0.001). 375 g of Zn/ha (35.7 mg/kg DW) and 750 g of Zn/ha (35.5 mg/kg DW) significantly and similarly enhanced Zn concentrations compared to the control (31.3 mg/kg DW) in Premium seeds, p < 0.001. Zinc oxide also improved accumulations of Fe, Cu, Mn, and Mg in Premium seeds. Se/Zn treatments did not significantly affect growth parameters and accumulations of soluble solids and protein in seeds. Positive and significant (p < 0.01) correlations were observed between Zn and Fe, Cu, Mn and Mg levels in Premium seeds, among others. Consuming 33 g/day of pea biofortified with Se at 50 g/ha and 266 g/day of pea biofortified with 375 g of Zn/ha could provide 100% of the RDA (55 μg) for Se and RDA (9.5 mg) for Zn in adults, respectively. These results are relevant for enhancing Se/Zn status in peas by foliar biofortification.

Separate foliar sodium selenate and zinc oxide application enhances Se but not Zn accumulation in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds.

Up to 15% and 17% of the world population is selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) deficient, respectively. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important staple legume with a high potential for Se and Zn biofortification in seeds. A 2-year pot experiment investigated two pea varieties (Ambassador and Premium) following foliar-applied sodium selenate (0/50/100g of Se/ha) and zinc oxide (0/375/750g of Zn/ha) at the flowering stage. Selenate and zinc oxide had minimal overall effects on growth parameters. Zinc oxide did not improve Zn accumulation in both seed varieties, while selenate improved Se accumulation in both seed varieties dose-dependently. Premium accumulated greater amounts of Se in seeds than Ambassador (p < 0.001). Selenium concentrations were highest in seeds of Premium treated with 100g of Se/ha [7.84 mg/kg DW vs. the control (0.16 mg/kg DW), p < 0.001]. The predominant Se species in Se-enriched seeds was selenomethionine (40%-76% of total Se). Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation was found between Zn and S concentrations in Ambassador (r 2 = 0.446) and Premium (r 2 = 0.498) seeds, but not between Se and S. Consuming as little as 55 g/day of pea biofortified by 50g of Se/ha would cover 100% of the adult RDA (55 µg) for Se. Findings are important for improving foliar biofortification of pea with Se and Zn.

Effect of sodium selenate foliar supplementation on Cryptotaenia japonica and Petroselinum crispum nutritional characteristics and seed quality

Production of functional food with high levels of selenium and other antioxidants is very valuable for human protection against different forms of oxidant stress. Among leafy vegetables parsley demonstrate the highest levels of antioxidants. Biochemical analysis and fluorimetric determination of selenium revealed that foliar biofortification of 4 parsley (Petroselinum crispum) cultivars and Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica) with sodium selenate (25 mg L-1) resulted in the highest biofortification level in curly parsley cultivar Krasotka (102.9) which showed the highest leaf surface area, antioxidant activity (65 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) and flavonoids content (25.9 mg quercetin equivalent g-1 d.w.), and the increase by 1.4 times in carotene content and 1,5 times in total chlorophyll content. ICP-MS method of mineral composition evaluation recorded extremely high levels of B and Si in Mustuba, which increased due to Se supplementation by 1.23 and 1.46 times respectively. In a two-year experiment with control and Se-fortified, leafy parsley, cultivar Moskvichka reached high values of seed yield and viability, and seed Se content (6170 µg kg-1 d.w.). The results of the present investigation demonstrate high prospects of parsley and Mitsuba selenium biofortification for production of functional food with elevated levels of microelement and high antioxidant activity.

Foliar biofortification of chervil with selenium and iodine under silicon containing fertilizer supply

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential elements for humans, and their deficiency is widespread throughout the world. In order to obtain a functional nutritional product with an increased content of these trace elements in the vegetative experiment, foliar biofortification of two chervil varieties with selenium (sodium selenate 10 mg/l) and iodine (potassium iodide 100 mg/l) was carried out without and against the background of the use of silicon-containing fertilizers Siliplant (3 ml/l). The combined and separate application of selenate, iodide and Siliplant increased plants’ biomass. Siliplant utilization increased the accumulation of iodine by 1.7-1.9 times, and selenium supply – by 2.2-3.1 times. A significant increase in ascorbic acid content was provided by the combined supplementation of iodine and selenium (1.25-1.27 times), iodine and silicon (1.46-1.87 times) and joint application of selenium, iodine, and silicon (1.31-1.73 times), while an increase in total antioxidant activity (1.3-1.4 times) was observed for (Se+I) and (Se+I+Si) treatments. High varietal differences in the responsiveness of plants to the selected treatments were manifested, particularly an increase of polyphenols accumulation under separate and joint treatments of chervil with iodine and selenium by 1.26 times in the cultivar 21-20, and the absence of a significant effect in the cultivar 24-20. Taking into account the adequate consumption levels (ACL) of iodine and selenium, 50 g of the resulting functional product can provide up to 79% of iodine ACL and up to 40% in selenium ACL.

Foliar selenium biofortification of broccolini: effects on plant growth and mineral accumulation

ABSTRACT Foliar biofortification is one effective way to alleviate the inadequate intake of selenium (Se) of millions of people worldwide. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application in broccolini (a new hybrid crop variety derived from a cross between kalian cabbage and broccoli), three treatments were tested: 0, 0.05% or 0.10% (w/v) sodium selenate, applied at the early flowering stage. Florets were harvested in four sequential harvests, showing that both yield and nutritional composition were better in the early harvests, producing fewer but heavier and nutrient-richer florets. Although no overall effects on biomass were observed, the increase in total Se concentrations was more than 80- and 170-folds in both root and shoot of 0.05% and 0.10% Se, respectively, and by 270- and 600-fold in the florets. Although boiling resulted in > 50% loss of Se, an intake of 100 g of fresh weight boiled broccolini biofortified with 0.05% Se treatment will provide ~590 μg Se day−1. This amount is in excess of the tolerable upper limit for Se intake. Therefore, whilst broccolini is clearly a good Se accumulator with the potential to be biofortified with Se, lower application rates would need to be determined to be used for human food purposes.

Iodine and Selenium Biofortification of Chervil Plants Treated with Silicon Nanoparticles.

Production of functional food with high levels of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) obtained via plant biofortification shows significant difficulties due to the complex interaction between the two elements. Taking into account the known beneficial effect of silicon (Si) on plant growth and development, single and joint foliar biofortification of chervil plants with potassium iodide (150 mg L−1) and sodium selenate (10 mg L−1) was carried out in a pot experiment with and without Si nanoparticles foliar supplementation. Compared to control plants, nano-Si (14 mg L−1) increased shoot biomass in all treatments: by 4.8 times with Si; by 2.8 times with I + Si; by 5.6 times with Se + Si; by 4.0 times with I + Se + Si. The correspondent increases in root biomass were 4.5, 8.7, 13.3 and 10.0 times, respectively. The growth stimulation effect of Se, I and I + Se treatments resulted in a 2.7, 3.5 and 3.6 times increase for chervil shoots and 1.6, 3.1 and 8.6 times for roots, respectively. Nano-Si improved I biofortification levels by twice, while I and Se enhanced the plant content of each other. All treatments decreased nitrate levels, compared to control, and increased the photopigment accumulation. Improvement of total antioxidant activity and phenolic content was recorded only under the joint application of Se + I + Si. Foliar nano-Si treatment affected other element content in plants: decreased Na+ accumulation in single and joint supplementation with Se and I, restored Fe, Mn and Cr amount compared to the decreased levels recorded in separately Se and I fortified plants and promoted Al accumulation both with or without Se and I biofortification. The results of this research suggest high prospects of foliar nano-Si supply for enhancing both growth and joint I/Se biofortification of chervil.

Improving the foliar biofortification of broccoli with selenium without commercial quality losses

AbstractSelenium‐biofortified broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) is an important source of micronutrients in a healthy human diet. Therefore, studies are needed on the commercial production of selenium‐enriched broccoli. We analyzed the effect of the foliar application of sodium selenate and sodium selenite in doses of 50 and 100 g ha−1 on the growth, photosynthetic parameters, selenium accumulation, and commercial quality of broccoli in two cultivars (‘Belstar’ and ‘Legend’) used for fresh crops market grown under field conditions. The application of both doses of selenate and the highest dose of selenite induced a significant increase in the head fresh weight (FW) only in cultivar Belstar. However, the dry matter content of the heads was not significantly affected by selenium or the cultivar of broccoli. In addition, the increase in the water use efficiency, mainly due to the reduction of the transpiration rate, could explain the significant increase in the head FW without modifying the head dry matter content in Belstar. On the other hand, selenium treatments before harvest maintained the green color and did not affect the firmness and diameter of the heads at harvest. The selenium content of the heads increased markedly in a dose‐dependent manner in both cultivars, with both selenium treatments. The results of this study indicate that the response to selenium treatments differs between broccoli cultivars and that the use of both selenium salts in foliar form would be a good strategy to obtain selenium‐enriched broccoli, without affecting the commercial quality of the heads.

Effectiveness of Foliar Biofortification of Carrot With Iodine and Selenium in a Field Condition.

Iodine (I) and selenium (Se) are essential to human and animal development. There is a worldwide deficit of I and Se in the diet of humans, as well as in animals. It is advisable to enrich plants with these elements to ensure adequate uptake in animals and humans. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the application of I and Se in the cultivation of carrot crops, to better understand the metabolic pathways and processes of I applied through foliar spray. Carrots were fertilized with 4-fold foliar applications of I and Se, which were applied as the liquid fertilizers “I + Se”, “Solo iodine” and “Solo selenium”, all containing an organic stabilizer, in two field trials. Foliar nutrient applications of I and Se were translocated by the plant for storage in the roots. The level of enriched I and Se in the roots was considered safe for the consumer. The Recommended Daily Allowance values for I and Se in the roots of 100 g of fresh carrots are 4.16% and 4.37%, respectively. Furthermore, I and Se accumulated in the roots to a level that was physiologically tolerated by carrot. Biofortification through foliar feeding did not impact negatively on the yield or quality of the carrot crop. Iodides applied via foliar application were the dominant form of I in the plant tissues and were included in the metabolic process of the synthesis of iodosalicylates, iodobenzoates, iodotyrosine (I-Tyr), and plant-derived thyroid hormone analogs. No synergistic or antagonistic interaction between I and Se, with respect to the effectiveness of biofortification in roots, was observed in any treatments. The molar ratio of I:Se in the roots after foliar application of both elements was approximately 1.6:1 and was similar to the control (1.35:1).

Effects of selenium application on biochemical characteristics and biofortification level of kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) produce

Background: Biofortification of vegetables with selenium (Se) greatly depends on species tolerance to Se supply. Due to the scant information regarding kohlrabi Se biofortification, the aim of the present work was the evaluation of foliar sodium selenate application on yield and biochemical characteristics of three kohlrabi cultivars. Material and methods: A two years field experiment was conducted in Moscow region (Russia) on 3 kohlrabi cultivars using foliar biofortification with Na2Se04 solutions (50, 75 and 100 mg/L) and subsequent biochemical analysis of roots, stems and leaves. Results: Out of the three concentrations tested (50, 75 and 100 mg/L) plus an untreated control, the Se 75 dose demonstrated the strongest growth stimulation effect resulting in the increase of stem weight (by 1.35-1.61 times), yield (1.37-1.66 times), monosaccharide (1.59-2.24 times), ascorbic acid (1.54-2.01 times) and total phenolic levels (by 1.23-1.37 times), compared to the untreated control. The biofortification values varied from 69.4 (White Vienna 1390) to 59.9 (Dobrynya F1 hybrid) and 43.6 (Sonata F1 hybrid) under the Se dose of 100 mg/L. The maximum Se content in kohlrabi stems reached 4.40 mg/kg d.w. for Sonata F1, 3.53 mg/kg d.w. for Dobrynya F1 hybrids and 5.20 mg/kg d.w. for cultivar White Vienna 1390. Significant correlations were revealed between Se and total phenolics (0.720; p < 0.002), ascorbic acid (0.842; p < 0.001), monosaccharides (0.898; p < 0.001) and total sugar (0.764; p < 0.001). No significant changes in nitrate levels and dry matter content were recorded as the result of Se supply. Conclusion: The outcomes of the present research demonstrated the high benefits of Se application in improving kohlrabi yield and nutritional quality.

Biofortificación de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) con cianocobalamina y micronutrientes aminoquelados (Zn, Fe)

Introducción: El tomate constituye una fuente importante de nutrientes, catalogándose como un alimento óptimo para fortificar la población que presenta déficit de hierro, zinc y cianocobalamina.Material y métodos: Se aplicaron dos tratamientos, uno con minerales inorgánicos y el otro con minerales aminoquelado mediante un proceso de biofortificación foliar. Se cuantificó la concentración de los micronutrientes utilizando el método de Espectrometría por Absorción Atómica de llama directa (EAAF), se utilizó el método EPA 3052 para la evaluación de los minerales. Para el análisis de Cianocobalamina, se usó el método de Cromatografía Liquida (HPLC). Resultados: Se encontró diferencias altamente significativas (p&lt;0,0001) entre los tratamientos en la presencia de minerales, presentándose una mayor concentración de hierro en el tratamiento aminoquelado, 189,53±100,12 mg/kg. En el tratamiento inorgánico la mayor concentración fue de zinc, 89,82±21,67. Al evaluar el contenido de zinc, no hubo deferencias entre la biofortificación con el aminoquelado y el inorgánico (p&gt;0,05), con respecto a la cianocobalamina los datos bromatológicos reportaron menos de 0,04 µg/100 g de tomate en todas las muestras analizadas.Conclusiones: El contenido de hierro en el fruto con el tratamiento aminoquelado, es muy superior a los tratamientos control e inorgánico, además es posible obtener tomate biofortificado con minerales como el zinc y hierro aminoquelados, demostrándose que tienen mejor absorción y posibilitando su biodisponibilidad, finalmente, la biofortificación con cianocobalamina no es pertinente en este fruto, pues este nutriente no es almacenado en el tomate.

Effect of foliar sodium selenite biofortification on cauliflower yield, nutritional value and antioxidant status

Relevance. Biofortification of agricultural crops with selenium is considered to be the most promising method for the human selenium status optimization.Methods. Effect of foliar biofortification of cauliflower, Polyarnaya Zvezda cv, with sodium selenate of different concentrations on yield, selenium content and biochemical characteristics of plants were investigated.Results. Enrichment of plants with selenium increased yield by 1.23-1.31 times, sugar content – 1.6 times, ascorbic acid concentration – 1.52-2 times. On the contrary, the treatment did not affect pholyphenol content and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of plants. Selenium accumulation levels decreased according to inflorescences &gt; leaves &gt; roots. Sodium selenate solution at 75 mg/L concentration increased mass of cauliflower leaves 1.9 times and roots – 1.5 times. Consumption of 100 g of cauliflower fortified with 50 mg/L sodium selenate solution provided 100% of the daily adequate selenium consumption level. Utilization of higher sodium selenate concentrations ensured 127% and 418% of the daily adequate consumption level in case of 75 mg/L and 100 mg/L concentrations respectively. Taking into account insignificant differences between sugar content and antioxidants in cauliflower inflorescences fortified with different doses of selenium the most suitable concentration to be used was 50 mg/L.

Edaphic and Foliar Biofortification of Common Black Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with Iron

Background: Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. The objective in this work was to determine the effect of iron on mineral content, proximal composition, bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity in the bean grain.Methods: In this present work, we biofortificated plants of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), with doses of iron sulfate (0, 0.25, and 0.50 g) and foliar iron chelate (0, 25, 50 and 100 µM). In the grain content mineral (iron, zinc, copper and nickel), proximal composition (moisture, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrates and energy), total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity were determined. Result: Edaphic and foliar biofortification increased iron content in the grain. All treatment combinations containing some edaphic or foliar doses of iron increased levels of ash fat, protein, crude fiber, total phenols and anthocyanins, and decreased carbohydrate content and energy. Nine treatment combinations, including the control, possessed the highest antioxidant activities (84.96-89.76%).

Studies on foliar application of zinc as bio-fortification strategy to enhance grain zinc content in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a concern for nearly half of the world population. Biofortification through foliar Zn application is an approach to reduce human Zn deficiency. Knowledge available on effect of foliar applied zinc towards biofortification efficiency and bioavailability of rice grain is limited. Pot experiment with rice was conducted to study the effect of foliar applied zinc along with soil application of recommended dose of N: P: K: Zn for rice. Two contrasting groups of four cultivars each with respect to seed zinc based on previous screening were selected (high seed zinc types and low seed zinc types). Zinc was applied in the form of ZnSO4.7H2O foliar application at vegetative stage and at reproductive stage in three different doses (recommended dose, 10% lower than recommended dosage and 10% higher than recommended dosage). Results suggest that foliar zinc application is effective in enhancing grain zinc when applied with recommended dose of soil zinc fertilizer irrespective of inherent zinc acquisition capacity by roots. Stem had higher Zn accumulation at 65 DAS indicating translocation of foliar applied zinc. At 50% panicle initiation stage, there was higher zinc in leaf compared to stem and developing grain implying Zn movement from stem to seed. Zn analyzed at different stages of grain filling till harvest showed an increase in Zn content both in high and low zinc types. Higher seed Zn was observed in long duration varieties. Using long duration varieties for foliar biofortification could be an effective strategy to overcome Zn deficiency.

Increasing of selenium content and qualitative parameters in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) after its foliar application

The effect of genotype and selenium foliar biofortification in the form of an aqueous solution of sodium selenate on the content of total carotenoids, vitamin C, total polyphenols and selenium content in the tomato fruits was studied. Field experiment was held in the Botanical garden of the Slovak University of Agriculture in 2016. Seven determinant varieties of tomato in the two variants were observed. The results of experiments show that treatment of plants with the dose of Se concentration (150 g Se.ha-1) at the flowering stage significantly increased the total Se content in the in tomato fruits. Foliar application of selenium had a positive effect on the increase of total polyphenol. The influence of Se biofortification on the content of vitamin C and carotenoids was not detected. Selenium foliar fertilization in dosage 150 g.ha-1 is suitable way of tomato fruits enriching in polyphenols, without negative effect on other antioxidants content.

FORTIFICATION OF WILD GARLIC WITH SELENIUM

Production of functional food with significant antioxidant and anti-carcinogen activity is considered to be extremely significant in conditions of global ecological crisis. Among Allium species, wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) along with the ordinary garlic are known to be the leaders in accumulation of natural antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds with strong anti-carcinogen activity. Taking into consideration that Allium species belong to a group of natural accumulators of selenium, foliar biofortification of wild garlic with sodium selenate was achieved in Gudermes region of the Chechen republic. It was demonstrated that fortification of plants with selenium resulted in significant increase of chlorophyll a and b as well as carotene content, and two-fold increase of both polyphenol concentration and total antioxidant activity. Total dose of 2 mg Na2Se04 per square meter provided 14.4-fold increase of selenium content in A. ursinum leaves. Biofortification of plants with selenium resulted in 1.36, 1.28 and 1.38-fold increase of Cr, Fe and V concentration in leaves compared to leaves of non fortified plants. Leaves of A. ursinum fortified with selenium showed anomalously low Si content compared to non fortified plants. Compared to A. ursinum grown in Moscow region, wild garlic of the Chechen republic accumulated 2-fold lower levels of dry matter and 4.8-fold higher levels of monosaccharides. Compared to non fortified garlic leaves, those of A. ursinum demonstrated significantly higher levels of Cu, Fe, Mg и Zn. The results obtained suggest that A. ursinum fortified with selenium may be considered as a new functional food with strong antioxidant activity.