Seed Se Concentration Research Articles

Micronutrients use efficiency and dry matter yield of annual crops as affected by inorganic and organic amendments

Sustainable crop production is increasing, owing to environmental concerns over the intensive use of chemical fertilizers. This study investigated the effects of equal N substitution by pig slurry compost on micronutrients use efficiency and dry matter yield of Vicia faba L., Lupinus albus L. and Triticum aestivum L. Plants were grown in pots with sandy-loam soil and quartz (silica) sand under controlled greenhouse conditions. The treatments were (a) no fertilization (control), (b) NPK fertilizer, (c) pig slurry compost with 50% NPK (PSC), (d) quartz sand with pig slurry compost and 50% NPK (Quartz-PSC) applied at the same rate of 200 mg N kg−1 soil. Inorganic N (NPK) and PSC applications increased seed yield about 10-32%, shoot and root dry matter, on average, by 36% and 21% respectively in mature plants. Micronutrients uptake and use efficiencies were generally lower in PSC- plants than in NPK-plants. Results also showed increased seed Fe (3-28%), Zn (10-26%) and Cu (6-31%) concentrations in NPK and PSC-treated plants. Also, NPK (enriched with Se) significantly elevated seed Se concentration and use efficiency (SeUE) in all plants. Interestingly, PSC addition increased, although not significant, seed Se concentration and SeUE in faba bean and wheat. But no such effect was observed in white lupin. Overall, the results suggest that substitution of half-dose of NPK fertilizer with pig slurry compost is a promising alternative of chemical fertilizer for improved biomass yield and seed micronutrients (Zn, Fe and Cu) concentration in sustainable intensifications.

Effects of sulfur application on selenium uptake and seed selenium speciation in soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in different soil types

AimsThe objective of the present study was to elucidate the effects of sulfur (S) application on selenium (Se) uptake and seed Se speciation in high-protein soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in different soil types. MethodsPot experiments were conducted with soybean plants grown in yellow-brown soil (pH 5.68) and in calcareous alluvial soil (pH 7.87). Sodium selenate (Na2SeO4, 2 mg kg−1) was applied to soil with or without S fertilizer (S, 100 mg kg−1). ResultsSoybean grain yield and total biomass in calcareous alluvial soil were both approximately 1.3-fold the levels in yellow-brown soil. Following Se application, seed Se concentration in calcareous alluvial soil was 3.2-fold the concentration in yellow-brown soil, although additional S application reduced the corresponding seed Se concentrations by 55.6% and 38.6%, respectively. Generally, Se application facilitated Se translocation and enrichment in soybean seeds. Organic Se accounted for 92% of seed total Se and Se-methionine (>90%) was always the major Se species. Available Se (soluble and exchangeable fractions) accounted for 50.7% (yellow-brown soil) and 70.1% (calcareous alluvial soil) of soil total Se under Se treatment, while additional S application decreased the corresponding proportion of soluble Se by 12.6% and 14.4%. ConclusionsThe bioavailability of selenate in calcareous alluvial soil was higher than the bioavailability in yellow-brown soil and was more negatively affected by S application. Although S application inhibited Se uptake in soybean plants in both soil types, it did not influence seed Se speciation and Se-methionine was the major Se species.

Selenium toxicity in upland field-grown rice: Seed physiology responses and nutrient distribution using the μ-XRF technique.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human and animal, although considered beneficial to higher plants. Selenium application at high concentration to plants can cause toxicity decreasing the physiological quality of seeds. This study aimed to characterize the Se toxicity on upland rice yield, seed physiology and the localization of Se in seeds using X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (μ-XRF). In the flowering stage, foliar application of Se (0, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 g ha-1) as sodium selenate was performed. A decrease in rice yield and an increase in seed Se concentrations were observed from 250g Se ha-1. The storage proteins in the seeds showed different responses with Se application (decrease in albumin, increase in prolamin and glutelin). There was a reduction in the concentrations of total sugars and sucrose with the application of 250 and 500g Se ha-1. The highest intensities Kα counts of Se were detected mainly in the endosperm and aleurone/pericarp. μ-XRF revealed the spatial distribution of sulfur, calcium, and potassium in the seed embryos. The seed germination decreased, and the electrical conductivity increased in response to high Se application rates showing clearly an abrupt decrease of physiological quality of rice seeds. This study provides information for a better understanding of the effects of Se toxicity on rice, revealing that in addition to the negative effects on yield, there are changes in the physiological and biochemical quality of seeds.

Performance of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) supplied with selenite or selenate for selenium biofortification in northeastern China

Selenium (Se) deficiency commonly occurs in soils of northeastern China and leads to insufficient Se intake by humans. A two-year field study of Se biofortification of common buckwheat supplied with 40 g Se ha−1 as selenite (Se(IV)), selenate (Se(VI)), or a combination (1/2 Se(IV + VI)) was performed to investigate Se accumulation and translocation in plants and determine the effects of different forms of Se on the grain yield, biomass production, and Se use efficiency of plants and seeds. Se application increased seed Se concentrations to 47.1–265.1 μg kg−1. Seed Se concentrations following Se(VI) or 1/2 Se(IV + VI) treatment exceeded 100 μg kg−1, an amount suitable for crop Se biofortification. Se concentration in shoots and roots decreased with plant development, and Se translocation from root to shoot in Se(IV)-treated plants was lower than that in plants treated with 1/2 Se(IV + VI) and Se(VI). Both grain yield and biomass production increased under 1/2 Se(IV + VI) treatment, with grain yields reaching 1663.8 and 1558.5 kg ha−1 in 2015 and 2016, respectively, reflecting increases of 11.0% and 10.3% over those without Se application. The Se use efficiency of seeds and plants under Se(VI) treatment was significantly higher than those under 1/2 Se(IV + VI) and Se(IV) treatments. Thus, application of selenate could result in higher Se accumulation in buckwheat seeds than application of the other Se sources, but the combined application of selenate and selenite might be an alternative approach for improving buckwheat grain yield by Se biofortification in northeastern China.

Selecting Lentil Accessions for Global Selenium Biofortification.

The biofortification of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus.) has the potential to provide adequate daily selenium (Se) to human diets. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine how low-dose Se fertilizer application at germination affects seedling biomass, antioxidant activity, and Se uptake of 26 cultivated lentil genotypes; and (2) quantify the seed Se concentration of 191 lentil wild accessions grown in Terbol, Lebanon. A germination study was conducted with two Se treatments [0 (control) and 30 kg of Se/ha] with three replicates. A separate field study was conducted in Lebanon for wild accessions without Se fertilizer. Among cultivated lentil accessions, PI533690 and PI533693 showed >100% biomass increase vs. controls. Se addition significantly increased seedling Se uptake, with the greatest uptake (6.2 µg g−1) by PI320937 and the least uptake (1.1 µg g−1) by W627780. Seed Se concentrations of wild accessions ranged from 0 to 2.5 µg g−1; accessions originating from Syria (0–2.5 µg g−1) and Turkey (0–2.4 µg g−1) had the highest seed Se. Frequency distribution analysis revealed that seed Se for 63% of accessions was between 0.25 and 0.75 µg g−1, and thus a single 50 g serving of lentil has the potential to provide adequate dietary Se (20–60% of daily recommended daily allowance). As such, Se application during plant growth for certain lentil genotypes grown in low Se soils may be a sustainable Se biofortification solution to increase seed Se concentration. Incorporating a diverse panel of lentil wild germplasm into Se biofortification programs will increase genetic diversity for effective genetic mapping for increased lentil seed Se nutrition and plant productivity.

Effects of sulfur and sulfate on selenium uptake and quality of seeds in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) treated with selenite and selenate

Intake of food containing high levels of selenium (Se) poses a safety risk to human health. Sulfur (S) fertilizer exerts different regulatory effects on Se uptake in crops. In this study, field experiments were conducted in 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 to clarify the effects of different S species [60kgha−1 S applied as elemental sulfur or magnesium sulfate] on the Se uptake and quality of seeds in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) treated with Se [60gha−1 Se applied as sodium selenite or sodium selenate]. The results showed that the application of sulfur or sulfate significantly reduced the Se concentrations of seeds in plants treated with selenite or selenate. The two S fertilizers caused consistent reductions in seed Se concentrations, approximately 25% for the selenite treatment and 40% for the selenate treatment. The seed Se concentrations of selenate-treated plants were approximately 3.0–5.0 times those of selenite-treated plants. More than 99% of the Se accumulated in seeds of selenite- or selenate-treated plants was concentrated in rapeseed meal, with less than 1% of the Se being found in rapeseed oil. The application of selenite or selenate significantly reduced the erucic acid content and increased the oleic acid content of seeds. Applying S fertilizer on the basis of Se fertilizer further reduced the erucic acid content while increasing the oleic acid content of seeds. This study indicated that Se was accumulated mainly in the rapeseed meal of seeds in B. napus treated with selenite or selenate. Application of sulfur or sulfate in combination with Se fertilizer could significantly reduce the Se concentration while improving the quality of seeds in B. napus.

Identification QTLs Controlling Genes for Se Uptake in Lentil Seeds.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates and is also rich in essential trace elements for the human diet. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health and nutrition, providing protection against several diseases and regulating important biological systems. Dietary intake of 55 μg of Se per day is recommended for adults, with inadequate Se intake causing significant health problems. The objective of this study was to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) of genes controlling Se accumulation in lentil seeds using a population of 96 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross “PI 320937” × “Eston” grown in three different environments for two years (2012 and 2013). Se concentration in seed varied between 119 and 883 μg/kg. A linkage map consisting of 1,784 markers (4 SSRs, and 1,780 SNPs) was developed. The map spanned a total length of 4,060.6 cM, consisting of 7 linkage groups (LGs) with an average distance of 2.3 cM between adjacent markers. Four QTL regions and 36 putative QTL markers, with LOD scores ranging from 3.00 to 4.97, distributed across two linkage groups (LG2 and LG5) were associated with seed Se concentration, explaining 6.3–16.9% of the phenotypic variation.

Will selenium increase lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) yield and seed quality?

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik), a nutritious traditional pulse crop, has been experiencing a declining area of production in South East Asia, due to lower yields, and marginal soils. The objective of this study was to determine whether selenium (Se) fertilization can increase lentil yield, productivity, and seed quality (both seed Se concentration and speciation). Selenium was provided to five lentil accessions as selenate or selenite by foliar or soil application at rates of 0, 10, 20, or 30 kg Se/ha and the resulting lentil biomass, grain yield, seed Se concentration, and Se speciation was determined. Seed Se concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after acid digestion. Seed Se speciation was measured using ICP-mass spectrometry with a high performance liquid chromatography (ICP-MS-LC) system. Foliar application of Se significantly increased lentil biomass (5586 vs. 7361 kg/ha), grain yield (1732 vs. 2468 kg /ha), and seed Se concentrations (0.8 vs. 2.4 μg/g) compared to soil application. In general, both application methods and both forms of Se increased concentrations of organic Se forms (selenocysteine and selenomethionine) in lentil seeds. Not surprisingly, the high yielding CDC Redberry had the highest levels of biomass and grain yield of all varieties evaluated. Eston, ILL505, and CDC Robin had the greatest responses to Se fertilization with respect to both grain yield, seed Se concentration and speciation; thus, use of these varieties in areas with low-Se soils might require Se fertilization to reach yield potentials.

Selenium fertilization on lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) grain yield, seed selenium concentration, and antioxidant activity

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for mammals but has not been considered as an essential element for higher plants. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a cool season food legume rich in protein and a range of micronutrients including minerals (iron and zinc), folates, and carotenoids. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of field application of two Se forms on lentil grain yield, seed Se concentration, and antioxidant activity. The experiment was conducted at Carrington Research and Extension Center, ND, USA in 2012 and 2013 with five lentil genotypes and three Se treatments (control, 30gha−1 of selenite, and 30gha−1 of selenate) applied at seeding and at 50% flowering. Application of selenite and selenate increased the lentil grain yield by 10% and 4%, respectively, compared to the control. Seed Se concentration was significantly higher in lentils treated with selenate (1.4mgkg−1) compared to selenite (0.9mgkg−1) and the control (0.6mgkg−1). Selenate increased the antioxidant activity (66% inhibition) of lentils compared to the selenite (64% inhibition) and control (59% inhibition). Overall, Se fertilization is beneficial in increasing lentil seed yield; however selenate will be more beneficial in increasing seed Se concentration.

Population structure and marker-trait association studies of iron, zinc and selenium concentrations in seed of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Association analyses of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentrations in seeds of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) were done using a panel of 94 diverse accessions. The panel genotypes were grown at two locations in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. A total of 1,233 EST-based single-nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs) equally distributed across the pea genome as Illumina GoldenGate assay were used to genotype the panel accessions and to estimate the population structure. Eight subpopulations were identified which sufficiently explained the genetic structure of the panel genotypes. Bonferroni threshold was used to minimize the false discovery rate by combining the structured association (Q) with kinship (K) in a mixed linear model implemented in Trait Analysis by Association, Evolution and Linkage (TASSEL). A total of nine SNPs (−log10 p value ≥4.2) were significantly associated with iron, and two SNPs with zinc concentration in seeds; however, none of the markers was associated with seed Se concentration. The SNPs associated with iron and zinc concentrations in seeds were potential for use in marker-assisted selection in pea breeding programs.

Enhancing selenium concentration in lentil (Lens culinaris subsp. culinaris) through foliar application

SUMMARYSelenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human and animal health. Globally, more than one billion people are Se deficient due to low dietary Se. Low dietary intake of Se can be improved by Se supplementation, food fortification and biofortification of crops. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) is a popular cool-season food legume in many parts of the world; it is naturally rich in Se and therefore has potential for Se biofortification. An Se foliar application experiment at two locations and a multi-location trial of 12 genotypes at seven locations were conducted from April to December 2011 in South Australia and Victoria, Australia. Foliar application of a total of 40 g/ha of Se as potassium selenate (K2SeO4) – 10 g/ha during full bloom and 30 g/ha during the flat pod stage – increased seed Se concentration from 201 to 2772 μg/kg, but had no effect on seed size or seed yield. Consumption of 20 g of biofortified lentil can supply all of the recommended daily allowance of Se. After Se foliar application, cultivars PBA Herald XT (3327 μg/kg), PBA bolt (3212) and PBA Ace (2957 μg/kg) had high seed Se concentrations. These cultivars may be used in lentil biofortification. In the genotypic evaluation trial, significant genotype and location variation was observed for seed Se concentration, but the interaction was not significant. In conclusion, foliar application of Se as K2SeO4 is an efficient agronomic approach to improve seed Se concentration for lentil consumers and there is also scope for genetic biofortification in lentil.

Selenium biofortification in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris): Farmers' field survey and genotype × environment effect

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, however more than one billion people around the world are Se deficient. Selenium helps to prevent several diseases in humans including arsenicosis, a major health problem in South Asia. Lentil is a popular staple food in South Asia; it can uptake Se from soil and is thus a potential source of Se for humans. A farmers' field survey and an on-station yield trial of seven advanced breeding lines at four locations were conducted in Bangladesh during 2010–11 to determine Se concentration in lentil. Total Se concentration was measured in soil and lentil seeds collected from both farmers' fields and yield trials. Mean of soil and lentil seed Se concentration in farmers' fields was 163μgkg−1 and 312μgkg−1, respectively, with the highest being 173μgkg−1 and 370μgkg−1 in Rajshahi division, a major lentil growing area in Bangladesh. Consumption of 50g of lentil provides 28% of the recommended daily allowance of Se (55μg per person per day). There were significant genotype and location differences observed for seed Se, Se yield, and seed yield. However, genotype×location interaction was not significant for seed Se and Se yield, but was significant for seed yield. Soil Se concentration in lentil growing regions of Bangladesh was moderate and overall it produced Se-rich lentils. Therefore, Se biofortification in lentil using agronomic and/or genetic approaches are possible to increase Se intake for Se deficient populations.

Effect of selenium seed treatment on selenium concentrations in soybeans

This study was conducted in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, to determine the effect selenium (Se) treated seed on Se concentrations in soybean seed (Glycine max). Seed Se concentrations were also compared to those obtained with foliar applied Se. An application of 10 g Se ha−1 as seed treatment raised soybean Se concentrations to more than 0.5 mg kg−1. Soybeans with these Se concentrations, when included in rations at 200 kg t−1 with other low Se ingredients, would produce rations exceeding 0.1 mg Se kg−1, i.e., the minimum level required to prevent Se deficiency in livestock. Seed treatment with 100 g Se ha−1 produced soybean Se concentrations greater than 10 mg Se kg−1. When included in rations at 200 kg t−1 with other low Se feed sources, soybeans with such Se levels would produce rations in excess of the maximum tolerable dietary concentration of 2 mg Se kg−1 dry matter. Even higher soybean Se concentrations were obtained from equivalent Se rates when applied as foliar spray. In summary, treatment of soybean seed with Se has a potential for improving the Se status of rations that would be formulated with ingredients originating from Se deficient areas. Key words: Foliar applied Se, seed Se, sandy loam, Eastern Canada

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The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effects of sulfur (S) application on selenium (Se) uptake and seed Se speciation in high-protein soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in different soil types.Pot experiments were conducted with soybean plants grown in yellow-brown soil (pH 5.68) and in calcareous alluvial soil (pH 7.87). Sodium selenate (Na2SeO4, 2 mg kg−1) was applied to soil with or without S fertilizer (S, 100 mg kg−1).Soybean grain yield and total biomass in calcareous alluvial soil were both approximately 1.3-fold the levels in yellow-brown soil. Following Se application, seed Se concentration in calcareous alluvial soil was 3.2-fold the concentration in yellow-brown soil, although additional S application reduced the corresponding seed Se concentrations by 55.6% and 38.6%, respectively. Generally, Se application facilitated Se translocation and enrichment in soybean seeds. Organic Se accounted for 92% of seed total Se and Se-methionine (>90%) was always the major Se species. Available Se (soluble and exchangeable fractions) accounted for 50.7% (yellow-brown soil) and 70.1% (calcareous alluvial soil) of soil total Se under Se treatment, while additional S application decreased the corresponding proportion of soluble Se by 12.6% and 14.4%.The bioavailability of selenate in calcareous alluvial soil was higher than the bioavailability in yellow-brown soil and was more negatively affected by S application. Although S application inhibited Se uptake in soybean plants in both soil types, it did not influence seed Se speciation and Se-methionine was the major Se species.