Agronomic Biofortification and Yield of Beet Fertilization with Zinc

Abstract

Agronomic biofortification is a technique that helps reduce hidden hunger worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is important for human health and essential for plant development and growth. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of fertilization with Zn on agronomic performance and the agronomic biofortification of beet. Two experiments were conducted at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, belonging to the Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid, in Mossoró-RN. Each experiment was designed in complete randomized blocks, with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of Zn doses (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 kg ha−1). Zn fertilization did not affect the total and non-commercial yield of beet; however, the dose of 6.0 kg ha−1 of Zn promoted maximum commercial yield (20.34 t ha−1). At the maximum dose, higher Zn content was also observed in the nutritional status diagnosis leaf and higher Zn accumulation was found in the leaf, tuberous root, and throughout the plant. There was also an effect on postharvest variables. There was only tuberous root biofortification in 2021. The recommended dose in beet cultivation is 6.0 kg ha−1 of Zn.

Fertigation with copper in beet crop in a semi-arid region

“…However, the chemical characteristics of the soils may have influenced the characteristics of pH, TA, SS, and SS/TA ratio since there was a difference between the means obtained in the 2019 and 2021 experiments. Influence of nutrient concentration in the soil on postharvest quality attributes of beet tuberous root has also been reported by Costa et al (2023a) and Costa et al (2023b).…”

“…As a result, the 2021 marketable tuberous root showed greater sweetness and a milder flavor since it had lower acidity and higher SS content, a result similar to that obtained by Costa et al (2023b).…”