Zn Treatment Research Articles

Effect of supplemental zinc source and corn particle size on 40-day broiler performance

Zinc (Zn) supplementation source and particle size of feed ingredients are two factors that can affect poultry performance and should be considered for proper feeding of poultry. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of Zn supplementation source and corn particle size on broiler performance, breast yield, and tibia Zn concentration. Treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial randomized complete block design with the main effects Zn treatment and corn particle size (550 micron vs. 1,050 micron). Zinc treatments included a basal diet (no added Zn), 80 mg/kg Zn sulfate, and 3 diets with 40 mg/kg Zn sulfate + 40 mg/kg of either Zn-glycine amino acid (AA) chelate (Zn-gly), Zn-AA complex (Zn-AA), or Zn bis(-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (Zn-HMTBA). A total of 8 replications per treatment were fed to 23 broilers per pen from d one to 40. A Zn treatment x corn particle size interaction was observed for ending bird weight (EBW; P < 0.05) demonstrating that feeding small particle corn produced larger broilers except when supplemental Zn was not included. Broilers fed small particle corn or diets supplemented with Zn consumed the most feed (P < 0.05); however, FCR was decreased (P < 0.05) by 1.9 points for broilers fed large particle corn diets. Tibia Zn concentration was higher (P < 0.0001) for Zn supplemented diets, but no other treatment effects were observed. In conclusion, Zn supplement source had little effect on broiler performance; however, Zn supplementation per se optimized performance.

Bentonite modified with zinc enhances aflatoxin B1 adsorption and increase survival of fibroblasts (3T3) and epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2)

Bentonites are commonly used as feed additives to reduce the bioavailability and thus the toxicity of aflatoxins by adsorbing the toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Aflatoxins are particular harmful mycotoxins mainly found in areas with hot and humid climates. They occur in food and feedstuff as a result of fungal contamination before and after harvest. The aim of this study was to modify Brazilian bentonite clay by incorporation of zinc (Zn) ions in order to increase the adsorption capacity and consequently reduce the toxicity of aflatoxins. The significance of Zn intercalating conditions such as concentration, temperature and reaction time were investigated. Our results showed that the Zn treatment of the bentonite increased the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adsorption and that Zn concentration had a negative effect. Indeed, temperature and time had no significant effect in the binding capacity. The modified bentonite (Zn-Bent1) was not cytotoxic to either fibroblasts (3T3) nor epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) cell lines. Interestingly, Zn-Bent1 has higher protective effect against AFB1 induced cytotoxicity than the unmodified bentonite. In conclusion, the Zn modified bentonite, Zn-Bent1, represent an improved tool to prevent aflatoxicosis in animals fed on AFB1 contaminated feed.

Metabolite Profiling of a Zinc-Accumulating Rice Mutant.

Breeding crops with high zinc (Zn) density is an effective way to alleviate human dietary Zn deficiencies. We characterized a mutant Lilizhi (LLZ) accumulating at least 35% higher Zn concentration in grain than the wild type (WT) in hydroponic experiments. The mutant stored less Zn content in the root and transported more Zn to the grain. Metabolite profiling demonstrated that, with high Zn treatment, the contents of proline, asparagine, citric acid, and malic acid were enhanced in both LLZ and the WT, which were thought to be involved in Zn transport in rice. Furthermore, the contents of cysteine, allothreonine, alanine, tyrosine, homoserine, β-alanine, and nicotianamine required for the production of many metal-binding proteins were specifically increased in LLZ. LLZ had higher capability of amino acid biosynthesis and metal cation transportation. The current research extends our understanding on the physiological mechanisms of Zn uploading into grain and provides references for further Zn biofortification breeding in rice.

Identification of a rice metal tolerance protein OsMTP11 as a manganese transporter.

Metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) are a gene family of cation efflux transporters that occur widely in plants and might serve an essential role in metal homeostasis and tolerance. Our research describes the identification, characterization, and localization of OsMTP11, a member of the MTP family from rice. OsMTP11 was expressed constitutively and universally in different tissues in rice plant. Heterologous expression in yeast showed that OsMTP11 complemented the hypersensitivity of mutant strains to Mn, and also complemented yeast mutants to other metals, including Co and Ni. Real time RT-PCR analysis demonstrated OsMTP11 expression was substantially enhanced following 4 h under Cd, Zn, Ni, and Mn treatments, suggesting possible roles of OsMTP11 involvement in heavy metal stress responses. Promoter analysis by transgenic assays with GUS as a reporter gene and mRNA in situ hybridization experiments showed that OsMTP11 was expressed specifically in conducting tissues in rice. DNA methylation assays of genomic DNA in rice treated with Cd, Zn, Ni, and Mn revealed that decreased DNA methylation levels were present in the OsMTP11 promoter region, which was consistent with OsMTP11 induced-expression patterns resulting from heavy metal stress. This result suggested that DNA methylation is one of major factors regulating expression of OsMTP11 through epigenetic mechanisms. OsMTP11 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) localized to the entire onion epidermal cell cytoplasm, while vacuolar membrane exhibited increased GFP signals, consistent with an OsMTP11 function in cation sequestration. Our results indicated that OsMTP11 might play vital roles in Mn and other heavy metal transportation in rice.

Involvement of Zn Depletion in Cd-Induced Toxicity on Prenatal Bone Formation in Rat.

This study explored the potential toxicity of Cd on the Zn bone depletion in prenatal bone formation. Female rats received either tap water, Cd, Zn, or Cd + Zn in their drinking water during gestation, and some markers of bone formation were studied in their fetuses removed at the 20th day of pregnancy (GD20). Cd exposure induced maternal hypozincemia and Zn depletion in the femur of the fetuses. A striking inhibition of bone formation in fetuses, expressed by decreases in femur length, width, and area, by the shortening of diaphysis, and by a decrease in length and area of distal and proximal proliferative zones, was observed in fetuses from Cd-exposed mothers. At the molecular level, Cd caused upregulation of MT-1 and ZIP2 genes and significantly depressed the expression of the ZnT5, colα1, osteocalcin, and ALP genes in the femur. Interestingly, Zn treatment ameliorated the Cd-induced maternal hypozincemia and femoral changes and partially restored the normal histomorphometry of the femur. These results suggest that the observed toxic effects of Cd are, at least in part, mediated by the disruption of maternal Zn metabolism during pregnancy leading to Zn depletion and thus to perturbation of prenatal bone formation.

Evidence of Zinc in Affording Protection Against X-Ray-Induced Brain Injury in Rats.

In the present world, X-rays have been regarded as one of the most efficient tools in medicine, industry and research. On the contrary, extensive human exposure to these rays is responsible for causing detrimental effects on physiological system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of zinc (Zn), if any, in mitigating the adverse effects induced by fractionated X-irradiation on rat brain. Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 170-200g were divided into four different groups viz.: (a) normal control, (b) X-irradiated (21Gy), (c) zinc treated (227mg/L in drinking water) and (d) X-irradiated+zinc treated. The skulls of animals belonging to groups (b) and (d) were exposed to X-rays in 30 fractions. Each fraction delivered a radiation dose of 70 rads, and rats were exposed to two fractions every day for 15days, consecutively. X-ray treatment resulted in significant alterations in the neurobehavior, neurotransmitter levels and neuro-histoarchitecture of rats, whereas zinc co-treatment with X-rays resulted in significant improvement in these parameters. X-ray exposure also caused a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation as well as activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, which however were decreased upon simultaneous Zn treatment. On the contrary, X-ray treatment down-regulated the glutathione system, which were found to be up-regulated by zinc co-treatment. Further, protein expressions of p53 and NF-ҚB were found to be significantly elevated after X-irradiation, which were reversed following Zn supplementation. Hence, Zn seems to be an effective agent in mitigating the detrimental effects caused by exposure to X-rays.

Effect of dietary zinc on morphological characteristics and apoptosis related gene expression in the small intestine of Bama miniature pigs

To investigate the effects of dietary zinc (Zn) on small intestinal mucosal epithelium, 6-month-old male Bama miniature pigs were randomly allocated into three groups and treated with three levels of Zn (Control, T1, and T2 diet supplemented with 0, 50, and 1500mg/kg Zn, respectively, as zinc sulfate) for 38days. The samples of small intestine tissues, serum, and feces were collected. The results showed that Zn concentrations of small intestine in the T2 group were higher than those in the control and T1 groups (p<0.05). In the T2 group, the pharmacological dose of dietary Zn treatment caused marked damage to the small intestinal epithelium. The expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and caspase-8 were increased in the duodenum and the jejunum of the T2 group (p<0.05). The mRNA transcript levels of BAX, CYCS and CASP3 genes were upregulated in the duodenum and the jejunum of the T2 group. We concluded that a diet with a pharmacological dose of Zn increased the accumulation of Zn and the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and caspase-8, which might activate the apoptosis and lead to the marked injury of porcine small intestinal epithelium.

Soil-applied ZnEDTA: Vegetative Growth, Nut Production, and Nutrient Acquisition of Immature Pecan Trees Grown in an Alkaline, Calcareous Soil

A field study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of soil-applied zinc (Zn) fertilizer on young pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] trees growing in alkaline, calcareous soils. Chelated Zn ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ZnEDTA) was applied at rates of 0, 2.2, or 4.4 kg·ha−1 of Zn via injection into irrigation water (fertigation) in microsprinkler irrigated ‘Western’ and ‘Wichita’ trees. Over the 5-year duration of the study, leaf Zn levels were increased from 22 to 35 µg·g−1 in the highest rate of ZnEDTA treatment compared with 7 to 14 µg·g−1 in unfertilized trees. Zn concentrations in shoot and root tissues were also elevated in Zn-treated trees. Zn treatments largely eliminated visible Zn deficiency symptoms, and increased trunk diameter growth compared with untreated trees. Nut yield (in the third through fifth seasons) were also increased as a result of Zn fertilization. No additional benefit in terms of trunk diameter growth or nut yield was observed by adding a higher rate of Zn (4.4 kg·ha−1) vs. the lower rate (2.2 kg·ha−1). ‘Western’ and ‘Wichita’ trees responded similarly to Zn fertigation.

Synergistic effects between [Si-hemicellulose matrix] ligands and Zn ions in inhibiting Cd ion uptake in rice (Oryza sativa) cells.

Our study demonstrated that Zn alleviated Cd toxicity in the presence of Si in the cell walls by Zn 2+ binding to ligands through the formation of the [Si-hemicellulose matrix]Zn complexes that restrict the uptake of Cd. The plant cell wall exhibits preferential sites for the accumulation of metals at toxic concentrations. Through modification of wall polysaccharide components, elements, such as silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn), may play active roles in alleviating the toxicity of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd). However, enhanced tolerance for Cd stress may rely on synergistic effects between nutrient elements. Here, we cultured Si-accumulating suspension cells of rice (Oryza sativa) exposed to Cd and Zn treatments, either separately or in combination, and investigated cells using noninvasive microtest technology (NMT), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that Zn alleviated Cd toxicity in the presence of Si in the cell walls by binding of Zn2+ to ligands through the formation of the [Si-hemicellulose matrix]Zn complexes and co-precipitates to greatly inhibit Cd2+ uptake into cells. This, in turn, induced the lower expression of Cd-related transporters. This synergistic effect could be decisive for the survival of cells under conditions of high Cd concentrations.

Zinc Deficiency and Oxidative Stress Involved in Valproic Acid Induced Hepatotoxicity: Protection by Zinc and Selenium Supplementation.

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug, which its usage is limited due to its hepatotoxicity. The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), necessary trace elements, against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. The animals were divided into five groups: control, VPA 200mg/kg, VPA+Zn (100mg/kg), VPA+Se (100mg/kg), and VPA+Zn+Se. The administration of VPA for four consecutive weeks resulted in decrease in serum level of Zn in rats. Also, an increase in liver marker enzymes (ALT and AST) and also histological changes in liver tissue were shown after VPA administration. Oxidative stress was evident in VPA group by increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PCO), glutathione (GSH) oxidation, and reducing total antioxidant capacity. Zn and Se (100mg/kg) administration was able to protect against deterioration in liver enzyme, abrogated the histological change in liver tissue, and suppressed the increase in oxidative stress markers. Zn and combination of Zn plus Se treatment showed more protective effects than Se alone. These results imply that Zn and Se should be suggested as effective supplement products for the prevention of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity.

Mitigating zinc deficiency through integration of agronomic biofortification for achieving high zinc wheat grain in northern states of India

Twenty-five field experiments on wheat as test crop were conducted across four northern states of India viz., Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh during 2014–15 and 2015–16 to investigate the effect of soil and foliar applications of zinc (Zn) on wheat grain yield and grain Zn concentration. Experimental design was complete randomized block design with three replicates. Wheat crop was grown under three different Zn application rates as follows: (i) Control (no Zn application), (ii) Soil Zn application, and (iii) Foliar Zn application. The soil Zn treatment consisted of 50 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha applied to the soil before sowing of wheat. The foliar Zn treatment, a 0.5% (w/v) aqueous solution of ZnSO4.7H2O was realized two times i. e. first at anthesis or heading and the second one at early milk stage of wheat crop. Results showed that the application of Zn fertilizer in soil increased grain yield of wheat significantly over control at 23 locations during both the years. However, the effect of foliar Zn fertilizer on grain yield was quite less effective. The foliar Zn application resulted in significant increment in grain Zn concentration over control at all locations. In particular, soil Zn application markedly increased grain yield and slightly less content of grain Zn over foliar Zn application. However, foliar application of Zn at specific stages was an important agronomic practice for the farmers to enhance wheat grains with zinc to mitigate hidden hunger. In conclusion, agronomic biofortification was found to be most suitable for both optimum grain yield and grain biofortification of wheat to combat Zn deficiency.

Increased glutathione S-transferase activity in 35S(CaMV)- Zmgstf4 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana

Clones of 35S-Zmgstf4 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana expressing the glutathione S-transferase F4 gene of Zea mays, were tested for stress-inductive GST (glutathione S-transferase) activity following treatments with the heavy metals Zn (150 and 1500 ?M), Cd (20 and 30 ?M) and chloroacetanilide herbicide metolachlor (2000 ?M). The overexpression of Zmgstf4 gene in Arabidopsis resulted in an extreme resistance to all treatments. The GST activity of the transgenic plants was almost the double compared to the wild type plant in the untreated samples. After Cd (20 and 30 ?M), and Zn (150 and 1500 ?M) exposure the stress response activity of GSTs increased in both wild type and transgenic plants, however with significantly higher levels in transgenic plants with extreme level at 20 ?M CdSO4 treatment (0.24 in transgenic and 0.13 in wild-type). To compare GST responsivity, Zn treatments was less inductive compared to Cd. Metolachlor (200 ?M) was totally tolerated by transgenic plants, compared to wild type plants, which died in 11 days.

Yapraktan Çinko Uygulaması ile Buğdayda Biyo-zenginleştirme ve Bunun Çinko Eksikliği Stresindeki Buğday’ın Nicel ve Kalitatif Verimi Üzerine Etkileri

Wheat has a special role in providing the required energy and protein of people in developing countries like Iran. Wheat is confronted with nutritional limitations such as little zinc (Zn) and low biological value of protein, which results in hidden hunger and malnutrition. Hence, this research was conducted to study the effect of Zn foliar application on Kohdasht wheat variety performance yield and its quality in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were non-use Zn sulfate (C; control and/or Zn deficient stress condition) and the use of Zn sulfate (spraying 0.5 g L -1 at stem elongation and grain filling stages (T1) and spraying 0.5 g L -1 at stem elongation and 2 g L -1 at grain filling stages (T2)). The result indicated that Zn foliar application increased grain Zn content and yield by improving grain number per spike. Moreover, in Zn treatments, amino acids contents and total Lysine and Threonine were increased that resulted in higher grain protein content in compared to Zn deficient stress condition. On the other hand, Zn application reduced phytic acid (PA) content and molar ration of PA to Zn. It can be concluded that Zn foliar application could yield alleviate malnutrition by increasing grain Zn content and protein, and by decreasing PA and molar ratio of PA to Zn under Zn deficient stress condition. Therefore, fertilizer strategy (e.g., agronomic biofortification) appears as short-term solution to alleviate malnutrition problem.

Comparison of copper and zinc effects on growth, micro- and macronutrients status and essential oil constituents in pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.)

Biosynthesis and metabolism of phytochemicals in aromatic and medicinal plants are vigorously affected by environmental agents. This study was undertaken to investigate the variations in the growth, nutrient status and the essential oils content and composition of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) plant exposed to different concentrations of copper (Cu; 0, 5, 25 mg kg−1 soil) and zinc (Zn; 0, 10, 50 mg kg−1 soil). The results of the plant treatment responses revealed that the highest plant height, shoot dry weight, essential oil content and yield were achieved in plants treated with Cu and Zn at 5 and 10 mg kg−1. Low Zn concentration showed a synergistic effect on the uptake of Cu, Fe, Mn and K, whereas it revealed **contrary effect on phosphorus (P) status. However, Cu in 5 mg kg−1 poses positive effect on Fe, Mn and P content in root and shoot tissues. Moreover, the addition of Cu and Zn especially at 5 and 10 mg kg−1 was the optimal level in increasing the status of K, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in shoot, infusion and decoction. The constituents and quality of M. pulegium essential oils in terms of its major volatile components, namely pulegone, cis-isopulegone, α-pinene, sabinene, 1,8-cineol and thymol, improved significantly with Cu and Zn treatment as compared to control. From this standpoint, M. pulegium can be grown as alternative crop for mildly Cu- and Zn-polluted agricultural soils without contamination of the its industrial products.

The Effect of Zinc Distribution for New TB Patients who Have Ethambutol Therapy Toward Visual Field Defect

Background: Tuberculosis is an infection disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ethambutol therapy for TB patients can cause side effect such as decreased visual acuity, visual field defect, decreased contrast sensitivity, and disturbance of colour detection. Zinc in TB patients has decreased that causes broken cell on retina ganglion and disturbance of mytochondria function. The aim of this study is the effect of zinc supplementation for new TB patients who have ethambutol therapy toward visual field defect.Methods: This study involved 40 new TB patients who have ethambutol therapy which is classified as 20 patients who have ethambutol therapy with zinc supplementation and 20 patients who have ethambutol therapy without zinc supplementation. Each patient underwent a routine examination including visual acuity using Snellen chart which is converted to LogMAR, anterior segment using slit lamp biomicroscope, non-contact tonometry for intraocular pressure examination, posterior segment using direct ophthalmoscope, and Humphrey perimetry for visual field examination which is performed three times on first time when initial patient came, first month, and second month duration.Results: This study showed no correlation between gender with visual field defect (p=0,554), there is no correlation between age with visual field defect (p=0,418), no correlation between smoking behaviour with visual field defect (p=1), no correlation between amount of meals consumption containing Zn with visual field defect (p=0,608), and also no correlation between systematic illness history with visual field defect (p=0,305). The effect of Zn treatment to visual field defect was significant with p=0,0085.Conclusion: Zinc treatment for new TB patients with ethambutol treatment may prevent visual field defect.Keywords: ethambutol, new TB patients, zinc, visual field defect

Effect of zinc treatments on cadmium exposed periparturient bovine lymphocytes in vitro on their proliferation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression

This study was conducted to evaluate effect of cadmium (Cd) on lymphocyte proliferation and mRNA expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and to determine whether zinc (Zn) treatment in Cd-exposed lymphocytes can modulate lymphocyte proliferation and SOD expression. Blood samples were collected from crossbred transition dairy cow at –30, –15, 0, 15 and 30 days of calving and evaluated for lymphocytes proliferation and SOD expression. Isolated lymphocytes were cultured with 10–3, 10–4, 10–5 and 10–6 molar (M) levels of Cd for 72 h. Adverse effect of transitional stress and Cd on lymphocyte proliferation and mRNA SOD expression was counteracted by 50, 55 and 60 micromolar (µM) Zn. Mitogenic response of lymphocyte and mRNA expression of SOD reduced as the days of parturition advanced. Lymphocyte proliferation and mRNA SOD expression showed negative correlation with Cd levels. Treatment of Zn in the Cd-exposed lymphocyte culture improved lymphocyte proliferation and relative abundance of SOD mRNA expression. In summary, Zn can ameliorate adverse effect of transitional stress and Cd on lymphocyte proliferation and SOD expression in dairy cows.

Growth and volatile compounds of Martianthus leucocephalus exposed to heavy metal stress

ABSTRACT: Martianthus leucocephalus is found in the semi-arid Northeast of Brazil and has high pharmacological potential due to the production of volatile compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the Cd (15, 30, 45 and 60µmol L-1), Cu (30, 60, 90 and 120µmol L-1) and Zn (150, 300, 450 and 600µmol L-1) levels on the growth of this species and its volatile compounds production. Apical cuttings were placed in plastic trays containing 6.0L nutrient solution, and after rooting, they were submitted to Cd, Cu and Zn treatments for 15 days. All the metals evaluated reduced the succulence and growth of all parts of M. leucocephalus . This effect was accompanied by the increase of Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations in all plant tissues. Volatile compounds content produced by M. leucocephalus was increased only by Zn (86%).

Effect of Zinc on Some Grain Quality Parameters in Bread and Durum Wheat Cultivars

This research was conducted in Isparta, Turkey ecological condition to investigate the effects of different zinc application doses on some quality parameters of bread (Gun-91, Altay-2000) and durum (Kiziltan-91, Kunduru-1149) wheat cultivars. The experiment was set up with three replications according to the randomized complete block design with a split-plot design. The cultivars took place in the main plots whereas the zinc application doses (0, 9, 18, 27 and 36 kg ha-1 Zn) were in the sub-plots. Phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers providing 40 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 80 kg ha-1 of N were applied to the plots. According to the result of variance analysis, different zinc application in wheat cultivars had significant effect on the grain quality parameters. But zinc fertilization had no effect on test weight. The effect of Zn treatment found statistically important on sedimentation and wet gluten content of flour, Zn, P and crude protein contents of bran and flour. In all cultivars, Zn application increased sedimentation, wet gluten content, protein, Zn content and P content in bran. However, the Zn application decreased the amount of P in flour. Also, protein, Zn and P contents were higher in the bran than in the flour. In the research results, it was found that Zn application had a positive effect on quality parameters, but high Zn doses affected both grain yield and quality parameters negatively.

Zinc and selenium accumulation and their effect on iron bioavailability in common bean seeds

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are the most important legume crops. They represent a major source of micronutrients and a target for essential trace mineral enhancement (i.e. biofortification). To investigate mineral accumulation during seed maturation and to examine whether it is possible to biofortify seeds with multi-micronutrients without affecting mineral bioavailability, three common bean cultivars were treated independently with zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), the two critical micronutrients that can be effectively enhanced via fertilization. The seed mineral concentrations during seed maturation and the seed Fe bioavailability were analyzed. Common bean seeds were found to respond positively to Zn and Se treatments in accumulating these micronutrients. While the seed pods showed a decrease in Zn and Se along with Fe content during pod development, the seeds maintained relatively constant mineral concentrations during seed maturation. Selenium treatment had minimal effect on the seed accumulation of phytic acid and polyphenols, the compounds affecting Fe bioavailability. Zinc treatment reduced phytic acid level, but did not dramatically affect the concentrations of total polyphenols. Iron bioavailability was found not to be greatly affected in seeds biofortified with Se and Zn. In contrast, the inhibitory polyphenol compounds in the black bean profoundly reduced Fe bioavailability. These results provide valuable information for Se and Zn enhancement in common bean seeds and suggest the possibility to biofortify with these essential nutrients without greatly affecting mineral bioavailability to increase the food quality of common bean seeds.

A practicable method for zinc enrichment in lettuce leaves by the endophyte fungus Piriformospora indica under increasing zinc supply

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is well-documented public health issue and a significant factor hampering to crop production. There is a close overlap between soil deficiency and human deficiency of Zn, indicating a need for increasing Zn content in crops and vegetables. In this study, the effects of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and Zn treatment on growth parameters, chlorophyll amounts, and Zn and some other micronutrient concentrations in Lactuca sativa cv. Siyahoo plants were investigated. The experiment was carried out including two treatments (P. indica inoculation and non-inoculation), each having four Zn concentrations (0, 2.5, 5 and 10mg/l Zn added to full-strength Hoagland solution) in a sand culture substrate. By increasing Zn concentration in sand substrate, growth parameters, chlorophyll content and leaf Zn concentration were significantly increased from 34.1 to 185.1μg/g DW, whereas leaf iron (Fe) concentration was decreased. Significant increase in various parameters including growth, chlorophyll content and leaf Zn concentrations (7.6 fold) were observed in plants inoculated with P. indica under supplemented concentration of 10mg/l Zn. Results from this study indicate that P. indica inoculation with Zn supplementation can help in Zn enrichment in lettuce plants.