Zn Fortification Research Articles

Plasma processed Zn fortification: the next generation sustainable technology for the improvement of agronomic traits of paddy

Zinc performs different metabolic functions in human body and its deficiency is a major concern mainly in the third world countries. Fortification of Zn in grain crops may have the possibility to meet the challenge. The present study was designed utilizing plasma technology for paddy crop in two ways: (i) seed treatment with gliding arc argon-oxygen-ZnSO4-H2O discharge plasma jet in combination with nebulizing system for the fortification of Zn in the seeds, and (ii) plasma treated water (PTW) was sprayed to the plants cultivated from treated seeds and thereby investigated the growth and development of paddy plants defence system, nutritional composition and yield of paddy. Gliding arc argon-oxygen-ZnSO4-H2O discharge plasma jet was employed to treat paddy seeds with nebulizing system for the duration of 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8 min and the 4 min treatment condition provided the maximum 98% germination among the conditions considered. Seedlings germinated from the 4 min treated seeds were resettled in the research area and PTW were applied two, four, and six times at the time of their growing period. The results reveal that the growth parameters, and the plants defence mechanisms were enhanced. Further, Zn concentration in the grains and the yield of paddy were increased by 59.07%, 24.06% and 38.94%, 22.27% respectively, compared to control and the plants grown from the treated seeds where no PTW foliar spray was applied. This investigation exposed that the fortification of Zn in seed by plasma processing and PTW spray to the plants which in turn improved seed germination, enzymatic activities, Zn accumulation in rice, and yield. It is fascinating that the paddy harvesting time was reduced more than two weeks compared to control.

Zinc fortification and legume incorporation in forage based cropping systems: Implications for yield and nutrient dynamics

Aim: To evaluate the synergistic effects of legume intercropping and zinc fortification on forage yield, and plant and soil nutrient dynamics. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design. Treatment combinations included five cropping systems, i.e., sole maize, sole cowpea, sole soybean, maize + cowpea (2:1), maize + soybean (2:1) and three zinc levels; Zn0= control or no zinc application, Zn1 = 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (basal soil application) and Zn2 = 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (basal soil application) + 0.5% ZnSO4 sprayed twice (30 DAS and 50 DAS). Results: Sole maize recorded highest dry matter (11938 kg ha-1) yield. Soil + foliar zinc application (Zn2) recorded an increase of 37.93 % increase in dry matter yield over control (Zn0). Maize + legumes recorded higher nitrogen uptake. There was an overall increase (122.34%) in zinc uptake from Zn0 to Zn2. Soil + foliar applied Zn increased ZnUE by 27.60 % (619.14 kg) over soil applied Zn (485.19 kg). Zn application increased Zn values of soil to 0.50 ppm with soil application and 0.56 ppm with soil + foliar application from the initial value of 0.36 ppm. Interpretation: Intercropping of legumes and application of 20 kg ZnSO4 as basal soil application plus two foliar applications of 0.5% ZnSO4 at 30 and 50 days after sowing significantly increased forage yield, nutrient uptake and enhanced soil zinc levels. Key words: Cropping systems, Intercropping, Legumes, Nutrient dynamics, Yield, Zn fortification

Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from the medicinal plant Salvia fruticosa Mill.: Green approach for potential biomedical application against Zn deficiency in humans

We hypothesized that we could prepare ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a biomedical application treatment of zinc deficiency in human populations. In this study, we report a formulation prepared using a low-cost method for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs by utilizing the medicinal species Salvia fruticosa as natural raw material and Zn(NO3)2∙6H2O as a Zn source. The final product was identified and characterized by elemental analysis using X-ray energy-scattering spectroscopy (EDS), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS Spectroscopy), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and morphometric analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, crystallization was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Afterward, ZnO NPs thus produced were utilized for foliar spraying on S. fruticosa open cultures, and Zn fortification in the foliage. Then, their effects on the biosynthesis of essential oils, and Zn bioavailability to humans were studied through different modes of consumption.ZnO NPs produced using our method were spherical while some were hexagonal, with an average size of approximately 22 nm, based on XRD results. The green synthesis method devised in this study afforded ZnO NPs from Zn(NO3)2∙6H2O with a 95 % yield, and consequently yielded economic benefits with respect to the current market prices. Foliage Zn fortification and the desired features were successfully achieved using ZnO NPs, and the proper mode of consumption of this medicinal plant has been recommended in this study.In conclusion, the methodology described in this study enables eco-friendly green synthesis of ZnO NPs at a low cost using S. fruticosa and puts forward a contemporary and integrated biomedical use of ZnO NPs to treat disorders resulting from or related to Zn deficiency.

Zn solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) mitigate toxicity of silver and Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in Mung bean by increasing photosynthetic pigment content.

Zn-deficiency, a global health challenge affects one-third of the world population. Zn-biofertilizer offer an efficient and cost-effective remedy. As Zn-biofertilizer can improve plant growth and grain's Zn-content ensuring improved dietary Zn-supply. This study sought to understand how silver and TiO2 nanoparticles in the rhizosphere affect the activity of Zn-solubilization bacteria (ZSB) and plant growth. Two ZSB strains Bacillus sp. D-7 and Pseudomonas sp. D-117 with excellent Zn-solubilization efficiency of 254 and 260%, respectively were isolated and characterized using polyphasic characterization including 16S rRNA gene sequencing to formulate an effective Zn-biofertilizer. The plant growth promoting activity of this biofertilizer in Mung bean was checked in the presence and absence of various doses of TiO2 and Ag-NPs and was compared with plant grown without biofertilizer. The change in rate of seed germination, vegetative growth (shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight), photosynthetic pigment and Zn-content was checked. Lower doses of nanomaterials (50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ soil) slightly promoted the plant growth compared to control. While, higher doses (200 and 400 mg kg⁻¹ soil) inhibited the growth. A maximum decrease of shoot length, root length, fresh-weight, and dry-weight of 57.1, 53.9, 53.1, and 10.4% respectively was observed with 400 mg kg⁻¹ of Ag-NPs. However, in the presence of ZSB, the decrease at the same Ag-NP concentration was 41.6, 31.5, 27.4, and 6.6, respectively. These results strongly suggest that Zn-solubilizing bacteria improve resilience to nanoparticles toxicity and helps in Zn fortification in Mung bean even under nanomaterial stress.

Zn Fortification Influential Impact on the Productivity of Calocybe indica Mycelium

Calocybe indica is an edible medicinal mushroom, preferably eaten for its culinary value. It was cultivated for its higher nutritional value, medicinal properties, and high polysaccharide content, especially glucan. Some particular minerals were enriched in food substitutes, an alternative to fighting against some targeted human ailments. Thus, mineral fortification is accessible in the submerged cultivation of mushrooms to produce bioactive compounds and fortified mushrooms. In this study, the submerged cultivation of C. indica was performed to make exopolysaccharides (EPS) using a supplemented medium of Zinc with varying concentrations. Thus, research revealed that the Zn fortification enhances the production of EPS and mycelial biomass after 21 days of incubation. The maximum mycelial biomass was 7.7133±0.30 g/L (dry weight), and the highest 0.3853±0.006EPS was produced in the 175mg/L mineral concentration, respectively. The present study revealed that the Zn supplementation gradually increased the mineral concentration and directly influenced the yield of mycelial biomass and EPS production. These EPS have various biological activities and can be helpful for fortified food or pharmaceutical product development in the medicinal and pharmaceutical sectors.

Evaluation of Zinc Concentrations in Fruit from Various Pear Strains and Cultivars in China for Establishing a Standard for Zinc-Enriched Pears

Zinc (Zn)-enriched pears, which are derived from genetically related cultivars or crops fortified using agronomic methods, have the potential to partly satisfy the human demand for Zn nutrition and diversify consumer choices. However, a standard for the Zn fortification level in pears is lacking, and the disparity in literature-reported fruit Zn concentrations can vary by substantial amounts. Before investigating the Zn concentrations in fruits of the main pear cultivars in China, common sample preparation methods were compared. Among the pre-treatment methods tested, the freeze-dry technique had a greater degree of discrete variation, whereas oven drying (fresh weight) was the optimal method for determining fruit Zn concentrations. Based on the optimal method, no significant distribution patterns of fruit Zn concentration were found among the regions and strains examined. The averaged pulp Zn concentration in all 26 cultivars was 0.72 mg kg−1, with the Hongxiangsu, Jinfeng, and 420 cultivars having the highest concentrations. Combined with the findings from our previous field experiments on Zn-fortified pears, a Zn concentration of ≥0.90 mg kg−1 is the suggested standard for pear enrichment. These results help us to better understand pear Zn nutrition levels and facilitate the marketisation of the fortified fruit.

Effects of zinc-enriched amino acids on rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) for adaptation in saline-sodic soil conditions: Growth, nutrient uptake and biofortification of zinc

Soil salinization and its associated problems are becoming a potential threat to the sustainability of agriculture. Deficiency of micronutrients like zinc (Zn) is a common growth limiting factor in salt-affected soils. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zn enriched amino acids (ZnAAC) on the growth, nutrient uptake, and Zn fortification in rice plants under salt stress. Different ZnAAC including Zn glycine (ZnGly), Zn methionine (ZnMet), Zn tryptophan (ZnTrp) and conventional ZnSO4 were applied at the rates of 8, 10, and 12 mg/kg with three replicates. The results of the current experiment revealed that ZnTrp applied at 12 mg/kg showed the maximum increase in root, shoot, and paddy weight (g/pot), which remained 12.9, 49.0, and 33.9, respectively. Maximum chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and sub-stomatal carbon dioxide were with the application of ZnTrp to rice grown on salt affected soil. Maximum increase in Zn concentration in soil (391.3 %), roots (251.8 %), shoots (232.9 %), and paddy (287.8 %) were increased with the application of ZnTrp at 12 mg/kg compared to that with control. Maximum decrease in phytic acid in rice paddy was observed with the application of ZnTrp at higher application rate. It is concluded that the application of ZnTrp is an effective remedy to enhance the growth response and Zn fortification in rice grown on salt affected soil.

Influence of nano-zinc oxide and fortified rice residue compost on rice productivity, zinc biofortification, zinc use efficiency, soil quality, zinc fractions and profitability in different rice production systems

Transplanted rice (TPR) faces several limitations, including deteriorating soil quality, zinc (Zn) deficiency, low use efficiency of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), water scarcity and escalating labor costs, which are dictating the shift toward alternate production systems like direct-sown rice (DSR) and aerobic rice (AR). However, this shift affects soil Zn dynamics and Zn availability to crops. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Zn nutrition (ZnSO4 as soil application and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as seed priming alone or with foliar spray) and fortified organic manures (farm yard manure and rice residue) on the rice productivity, Zn use efficiency, grain biofortification, soil quality, Zn fractions and profitability under TPR, DSR and AR. The application of ZnO NPs and fortified rice residue compost significantly improved the yield traits (437 productive tillers m−2 and 186 filled grains panicle−1), grain weight (6.27 Mg ha−1), grain Zn fortification (33.41 mg kg−1) and Zn fractions in all rice production systems. The AR was found to be more encouraging in improving soil organic carbon (11.3%), dehydrogenase activity (21.96%), microbial biomass carbon (17.31%) and DTPA-Zn (10.57%) than TPR and DSR. ZnO NPs seed priming and fortified rice residue resulted in superior zinc use efficiency in both TPR and DSR. The maximum benefit-cost ratio was obtained in DSR with ZnO NPs and fortified rice residue compost. Altogether, DSR with seed priming and foliar spraying of ZnO NPs and fortified rice residue can be a more efficient way to enhance rice productivity, grain Zn fortification and profitability.

Use of granules and free salts for Fe and Zn fortification of leafy vegetables: Improvements in trace element bioaccessibility and fulfillment of Dietary Reference Intakes

BackgroundLeafy vegetables represent an excellent dietary source of trace elements such as Fe and Zn. Nevertheless, Fe and Zn bioaccessibility can lessen due to a high concentration of anti-nutritional compounds. The encapsulation of Fe and Zn salts as granules could be used to fortify these leafy vegetables. MethodThree leafy vegetables, spinach, Swiss chard and Ethiopian mustard were fortified with iron sulfate and zinc sulfate as granules and free salts in order to test the improvements in the bioaccessibility and fulfillments of DRIs. Fe and Zn granules were prepared in a fluidized bed granulator. A probabilistic analysis was performed, using experimental data, to assess bioaccessible intake and fulfillments of DRIs in European populations. ResultsFe contents ranged between 4.8 mg/100 g of Ethiopian mustard to 157.4 mg/100 g of spinach. Fe and Zn bioaccessibility percentages were low for Swiss chard and spinach without fortification. Fortification with granules improved Fe bioaccessibility of these latter vegetables (196 and 223 mg/100 g). Zn contents in samples without fortification ranged between 2.3 mg/100 g for Ethiopian mustard and 7.4 mg/100 g for spinach. Zn fortification as granules improved Zn bioaccessibility for the three vegetables studied. Thus, Zn bioccessible concentrations ranged between 17.4 and 108 mg/100 g for the solubility assay and between 5.9 and 31.1 mg/100 g for the dialyzability assay. Besides, the probability analysis showed that fortification had a better performance in meeting DRIs for those populations with higher consumption levels of leafy vegetables. ConclusionsThe probability analysis demonstrated that fortification can be a suitable strategy to meet DRIs for both trace elements, which was especially remarkable for Fe. Fortification with granule was more effective in most the cases, although for Ethiopian mustard, free salt of Fe showed a better performance.

Efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles in Zn fortification and partitioning of wheat and rice grains under salt stress

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major health concern in developing countries due to dependency on cereal based diet. Cereals are inherently low in Zn and inevitable use of stressed land has further elevated the problem. The aim of current research was to improve wheat and rice grains grain Zn concentration grown in saline soils through zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) due to their perspective high availability. The ZnO-NPs were prepared by co-precipitation method and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Two separate pot experiments for wheat and rice were conducted to check the relative effectiveness of ZnO-NPs compared to other bulk Zn sources i.e., zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) and ZnO. Results showed that salt stress negatively impacted the tested parameters. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement in growth, salt tolerance, plant Zn uptake and grain Zn concentrations by Zn application through Zn sources. The ZnO-NPs showed maximum improvement in crops parameters as compared to other sources due to their higher uptake and translocation in plants under both normal and stressed soil conditions. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles proved to be more effective for grain Zn fortification in both tested wheat and rice crops under normal and saline conditions.

Effect of Zinc Excess in Substrate on Physiological Responses of Sinapis alba L.

Zinc (Zn) is a fundamental micronutrient for plants' metabolism, but in high concentrations, it is toxic. In this study, we investigated the physiological response of white mustard (Sinapis alba L. cv. Belgia) plants to the Zn excess concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg kg-1) in the substrate. The results showed that sand Zn concentration of 50 mg kg-1 did not affect the physiological parameters of plants, despite to the high Zn accumulation in shoots. The growth, biomass accumulation, photosynthesis rate, and pigment amount were inhibited at Zn concentrations of 100 and 150 mg kg-1 in substrate. A slight increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was also observed at zinc concentrations (100 and 150 mg kg-1) without changes in membrane permeability, which is partly connectedtoan increase in the proline content. The results suggested that white mustard tolerates Zn excess impact. S. alba is able to grow on Zn-contaminated substrates along with significant Zn accumulation in shoots, which supports its high potential for phytoremediation of Zn-polluted agricultural soils. It is also possible to propose the following recycling of white mustard plants for Zn fortification feedstuff.

Zinc-loaded whey protein nanoparticles alleviate the oxidative damage and enhance the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in rats

BackgroundZinc (Zn) is an essential trace element required for the function of the immune system. However, Zn fortification of food has faced some challenges, although excess Zn may be induced obesity and other related. This study aimed to use Zn-loaded whey protein nanoparticles (Zn-WPNPs) to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of Zn in rats treated with CCl4. MethodsZn was loaded to WPNPs at a level of 14 mg/g. Four experimental groups of male albino Wistar rats were treated for 30 days including the control group, CCl4-treated group (0.5 ml/100 g b.w), Zn plus CCl4-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and CCl4 plus Zn-WPNPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w). Blood and tissue samples were collected for different assays and histological examinations. ResultsThe results revealed that CCl4 disturbs the serum biochemical, hematological, and immune indicators in different organs besides the liver as a target organ. Animals that received CCl4 showed a significant increase in oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in the lung and spleen accompanied by a significant decrease in the hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes along with histological changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, and lung. Zn or Zn-WPNPs could improve these parameters and the histological picture of the tested organs and Zn-WPNPs were more effective than Zn alone. ConclusionWPNPs induced synergistic immune-modulating effects which may control Zn release and may be a suitable candidate to enhance the immune system during any pandemic or the exposure to any chemicals that affect the immune system.

The enormity of the zinc deficiency problem and available solutions; an overview

The societal cost of micronutrient deficiency (MND) or the “ hidden hunger ” is in millions of dollars/year, reducing the GDP of some countries by as much as 11%. Zn is an important micronutrient for both plants and animals. An estimated 17% of the world population, or around 1.1 billion people, are at the risk of zinc (Zn) deficiency. The deficiency has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, stunted growth, premature deaths, immune system dysfunctions, neuro-behavioral disorders, and recently with the failure to recover from COVID-19. These health risks associated with Zn deficiency have compelled FAO and WHO to recommend Zn fortification of diet. Correcting Zn deficiency is a challenge due to several reasons. Close to half of the agricultural soils are Zn deficient, and chemical Zn fertilizers are costly and ineffective. Developing Zn-rich crops through plant breeding and genetic engineering is challenging. Zn-dense diet is costly and cannot be implemented in the low-income region most affected by Zn deficiency. Lack of consensus among regulatory bodies on defining and diagnosing Zn deficiency in plants and Humans. Awareness and other sociocultural issues. Among the most important available solutions are zinc biofortification of the cereal crops, use of zinc biofertilizers, development of Zn-efficient crops with reduced phytate content. The use of Zn supplements, dietary modification, and diversification, especially with fish, are proposed as the most accessible and affordable solutions. Awareness programs in areas suffering the most from Zn deficiency are required. Despite the suggestions from FAO and WHO, global efforts to combat Zn deficiency matching those for combating diseases like HIV are not in place. Coordinated efforts of the international community, especially policy-makers, agricultural scientists, dieticians, physicians, and others, are required to address the issue of hidden hunger.

Dual-Fortified Lentil Products-A Sustainable New Approach to Provide Additional Bioavailable Iron and Zinc in Humans.

ABSTRACTBackgroundIron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are global health problems affecting 20% and 33% of the world's population, respectively. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), part of the staple food supply in many countries, can be a potential vehicle for Fe and Zn fortification.ObjectiveWe developed a dual-fortification protocol to fortify 3 milled lentil product types (LPTs) [red-football (RF), red-split (RS), and yellow-split (YS)], with NaFeEDTA and ZnSO4.H2O to increase the bioavailable content of Fe and Zn.MethodsAppropriate Fe and Zn doses were determined to fortify lentils based on RDAs. Relative Fe bioavailability (RFeB%) and phytic acid (PA) content were assessed using an in vitro Caco-2 cell bioassay and PA analysis, respectively. One-factor ANOVA determined the differences in colorimetric score; concentrations of Fe, Zn, and PA; and RFeB% among samples. The least significant difference was calculated with significance level set at P < 0.05.ResultsFe and Zn concentration and RFeB% increased and PA concentration decreased significantly in dual-fortified lentils. Dual-fortified lentil samples had higher RFeB% compared with Fe-fortified (single) samples in all 3 LPTs, whereas RFeB% decreased in Zn-fortified (single) RF and YS samples by 43.4% and 36%, respectively. The RF, RS, and YS samples, fortified with 16 mg Fe and 8 mg Zn/100 g of lentils, provided 27 mg Fe and 14 mg Zn, 28 mg Fe and 13.4 mg Zn, and 29.9 mg Fe and 12.1 mg Zn, respectively. RFeB% of RF, RS, and YS lentil samples increased by 91–307%, 114–522%, and 122–520%, respectively. Again, PA concentrations of RF, RS, and YS lentils were reduced by 0.63–0.53, 0.83–0.71, and 0.96–0.79 mg/g, respectively.ConclusionsDual-fortified lentil consumption can cost-effectively provide a significant part of the daily bioavailable Fe and Zn requirements of people with these 2 globally important micronutrient deficiencies.

Zinc in Wheat Grain, Processing, and Food.

Improving zinc (Zn) content in wheat and its processed foods is an effective way to solve human Zn deficiency, which can cause a variety of diseases. This article summarizes the works on Zn in wheat grain, wheat processing, and wheat-derived foods. Grain Zn content in wheat was 31.84 mg·kg−1 globally but varied across continents, for example, 25.10 mg·kg−1 in Europe, 29.00 mg·kg−1 in Africa, 33.63 mg·kg−1 in Asia, and 33.91 mg·kg−1 in North America. Grain Zn content in wheat improved from 28.96 to 36.61 mg·kg−1 and that in flour increased from 10.51 to 14.82 mg·kg−1 after Zn fortification. Furthermore, Zn content varied in the different processed components of wheat; that is, Zn content was 12.58 mg·kg−1 in flour, 70.49 mg·kg−1 in shorts, and 86.45 mg·kg−1 in bran. Zinc content was also different in wheat-derived foods, such as 13.65 mg·kg−1 in baked food, 10.65 mg·kg−1 in fried food, and 8.03 mg·kg−1 in cooking food. Therefore, the suitable Zn fortification, appropriate processing, and food type of wheat are important to meet people's Zn requirement through wheat.

Zinc alleviates cadmium toxicity by modulating photosynthesis, ROS homeostasis, and cation flux kinetics in rice

Understanding of cadmium (Cd) uptake mechanism and development of lower Cd crop genotypes are crucial for combating its phytotoxicity and meeting 70% increase in food demand by 2050. Bio-accumulation of Cd continuously challenges quality of life specifically in regions without adequate environmental planning. Here, we investigated the mechanisms operating in Cd tolerance of two rice genotypes (Heizhan-43 and Yinni-801). Damage to chlorophyll contents and PSII, histochemical staining and quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability and osmolyte accumulation were studied to decipher the interactions between Cd and zinc (Zn) by applying two Cd and two Zn levels (alone as well as combined). Cd2+ and Ca2+ fluxes were also measured by employing sole Cd100 (100 μmol L−1) and Zn50 (50 μmol L−1), and their combination with microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique. Cd toxicity substantially reduced chlorophyll contents and maximal photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) compared to control plants. Zn supplementation reverted the Cd-induced toxicity by augmenting osmoprotectants and interfering with ROS homeostasis under combined treatments, particularly in Yinni-801 genotype. Fluorescence microscopy indicated a unique pattern of live and dead root cells, depicting more damage with Cd10, Cd15 and Cd15+Zn50. Our results confer that Cd2+ impairs the uptake of Ca2+ whereas, Zn not only competes with Cd2+ but also Ca2+, thereby modifying ion homeostasis in rice plants. This study suggests that exogenous application of Zn is beneficial for rice plants in ameliorating Cd toxicity in a genotype and dose dependent manner by minimizing ROS generation and suppressing collective oxidative damage. The observations confer that Yinni-801 performed better than Heizhan-43 genotype mainly under combined Zn treatments with low-Cd, presenting Zn fortification as a solution to increase rice production.

Zinc Biofortification in the Grains of Two Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties Through Fertilization

We examined the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilization on wheat, focusing on yield and biofortification in the grains of two wheat varieties. Five Zn rates, i.e., 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; applied as ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;·7H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O (23% Zn), and two wheat varieties, i.e., ‘BARI Gom-25’ and ‘BARI Gom-26,’ were used in the study. All plant characteristics, except 1,000-grain weight and plant height, i.e., tillers plant&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, spikes m&lt;sup&gt;−2&lt;/sup&gt;, spike length, spikelets spike&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, and grains spike&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, were significantly influenced by Zn fertilization. Treatment with 3.0 kg Zn ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; (Zn&lt;sub&gt;3.0&lt;/sub&gt;) produced the highest grain yield (3.90 t ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), which was statistically similar to Zn&lt;sub&gt;4.5&lt;/sub&gt; and Zn&lt;sub&gt;6.0&lt;/sub&gt; treatments. The control treatment (Zn&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;) produced the lowest grain yield (2.99 t ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;). The concentrations of N, Zn, and Fe were significantly and positively influenced by Zn treatment. The crop varieties did not differ significantly in terms of N and Zn concentrations. However, the grain Fe concentration was remarkably higher in ‘BARI Gom-26’ than in ‘BARI Gom-25.’ The grain N and protein concentrations increased linearly with the Zn application rate. The grain Zn concentration increased with Zn application rates in a quadratic line, indicating that the concentration of Zn in wheat grain increased with Zn fertilization; however, it attained a maximum value in the Zn&lt;sub&gt;4.5&lt;/sub&gt; treatment, after which it declined with higher rate of Zn application. The application of Zn at the rate of 4.5 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; resulted in the highest Zn fortification (39.7 µg g&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) in wheat grains, which was 17.1% higher than in the control treatment. The response curve showed that 4.62 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; for ‘BARI Gom-25’ and 3.94 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; for ‘BARI Gom-26’ were the optimum Zn rates for achieving higher wheat grain yield. However, 5.5 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; was the optimum Zn rate for obtaining higher Zn fortification in wheat grains.

Biofortification of Rice Grain as Affected by Different Doses of Zinc Fertilization

The experiment was conducted in the research farm at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to investigate the zinc biofortification ability of rice grain at different doses of zinc fertilization. In this experiment two rice varieties (BRRI dhan28 and Binadhan-16) and five doses (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 kg ha-1) of zinc fertilization were used following split-plot design with three replications. Except 1000-grain weight and plant height, all other plant characters viz., tillers hill-1, panicle length and grains panicle-1 were significantly influenced by zinc fertilization. The treatment receiving Zn at 4.5 kg ha-1 (Zn 4.5) produced the highest grain yield (7.70 t ha-1) in BRRI dhan28 which was statistically similar with the yield obtained with Zn 3.0 treatments. The zinc control treatment (Zn 0) produced the lowest grain yield in both varieties. The concentrations of N, Zn and Fe were significantly and positively influenced by the Zn treatments. The crop varieties did not differ significantly in respect of N and Fe concentrations, but the grain Zn concentration was considerably higher in BINA dhan16 than in BRRI dhan28. The grain N content as well as grain protein content linearly increased with the rates of Zn application. Thus, application of Zn at the rate of 6.0 kg ha-1 demonstrated the highest Zn fortification in both varieties but maximum zinc fortification was observed in Binadhan-16 (24.1 µg g-1) in rice grain which was 12.2% higher over control treatment.

Evaluation of Efficacy of ZnO Nanoparticles as Remedial Zinc Nanofertilizer for Rice

Zinc (Zn) is an important element of nutritional significance to humans, animals, and plants. The impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) foliar spray at four different concentrations, viz. 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 g L−1 at 15-day interval on rice crop cv. PR-121 grown in Zn-deficient soil was assessed in a pot study for remediation of Zn deficiency and enhanced Zn fortification. The soil samples were analyzed for chemical properties, culturable microbial counts, dehydrogenase activity and plant vegetative characteristics, yield, and nutrient profile while the leaf samples were analyzed by scanning EM imaging and SEM-EDS techniques. The leaf surface after foliar spray showed the presence of ZnONPs on the leaf lamina near stomatal openings. The foliar application of ZnONPs (@ 5.0 g L−1) significantly improved the growth and yield parameters. However, root characteristics attained the highest values at 1.0 g L−1 ZnONPs application. The soil microbial counts and enzyme activities such as viable cell counts and dehydrogenase activity were observed to be the highest at 5.0 g L−1 ZnONPs treatment. Overall, ZnONPs treatments successfully reverted the Zn-deficiency symptoms besides enhancing the plant Zn contents, though the response was concentration dependent. These findings indicate that ZnONPs can be effectively used for remediation and Zn fortification in rice cultivated under low soil Zn concentrations.

Sensitivity of fatty acid desaturation and elongation to plasma zinc concentration: a randomised controlled trial in Beninese children.

Zn status may affect fatty acid (FA) metabolism because it acts as a cofactor in FA desaturase and elongase enzymes. Zn supplementation affects the FA desaturases of Zn-deficient rats, but whether this occurs in humans is unclear. We evaluated the associations between baseline plasma Zn (PZn) concentration and plasma total phospholipid FA composition, as well as the effect of daily consumption of Zn-fortified water on FA status in Beninese children. A 20-week, double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted in 186 school age children. The children were randomly assigned to receive a daily portion of Zn-fortified, filtered water delivering on average 2·8 mg Zn/d or non-fortified filtered water. Plasma total phospholipid FA composition was determined using capillary GLC and PZn concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. At baseline, PZn correlated positively with dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, r 0·182; P=0·024) and the DGLA:linoleic acid (LA) ratio (r 0·293; P<0·000), and negatively with LA (r -0·211; P=0·009) and the arachidonic acid:DGLA ratio (r -0·170; P=0·036). With the intervention, Zn fortification increased nervonic acid (B: 0·109; 95 % CI 0·001, 0·218) in all children (n 186) and more so in children who were Zn-deficient (n 60) at baseline (B: 0·230; 95 % CI 0·023, 0·488). In conclusion, in this study, Zn-fortified filtered water prevented the reduction of nervonic acid composition in the plasma total phospholipids of children, and this effect was stronger in Zn-deficient children. Thus, Zn status may play an important role in FA desaturation and/or elongation.