Biofortification with selenium increases bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in tomato fruits

Abstract

The objective of biofortification is the human consumption of high nutritional quality food, rich in micronutrients. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in human nutrition, and its essentiality has not been evidenced in plants. However, its application in crops and subsequent consumption can mitigate the deficiency of this micronutrient in the diet of human populations. This work analyzes the capacity of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) to increase yield, biosynthesis of bioactive compounds and their accumulation in tomato fruits. For this, five treatments were applied via nutrient solution: 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg L-1. At harvest, the nutraceutical quality and the accumulation of Se in fruits were quantified, as well as the productivity of tomato plant. Biofortification was positively affected by the biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds and their concentration in fruit, although tomato yield decreased. The incorporation of Se in nutritive solution is an alternative to increase both the biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds and the concentration of this element in tomato fruits with the possibility of improving public health through its consumption.

Effect of selected elicitors on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) sprouts obtained from seeds cultivated using the hydroponics technology

“…Preciado‐Rangel et al . (2018) also observed a significant increase in the content of flavonoids in wheat sprouts when treated with citric acid. An increase of 6.19% and 5.16% in the content of total flavonols was observed with the application of ascorbic acid (1.5 m m ) and NaCl (150 m m ) respectively.…”

“…A similar increase in antioxidant activity has been observed in mung bean sprouts and barley seedlings treated with NaCl (Wang et al ., 2020; Moongngarm et al ., 2021). Similarly, citric acid is also known to enhance the antioxidant activity in wheat sprouts (Preciado‐Rangel et al ., 2018). The increase in antioxidant activity is mainly associated with the enhancement of phytochemical compounds like phenolics and flavonoids (Xu et al ., 2017).…”

Humic Acid and Selenium Supplementation Modulate the Growth and Antioxidant Potential of Chili under Cadmium Stress

“…Selenium supplementation under cadmium stress has been reported to promote plant growth by reducing the negative impact of cadmium on nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and overall plant metabolism [21]. It helps to mitigate these nutrient imbalances by enhancing the uptake and translocation of essential minerals [22].…”

La biofortificación con selenio mejora los compuestos bioactivos y la actividad antioxidante en chile jalapeño

“…Por otro lado, este elemento no se considera esencial para las plantas, pero podría ser considerado un elemento benéfico debido a que en bajas concentraciones él. Se aumenta el rendimiento, el contenido antioxidante y su concentración en la parte comestible (Preciado-Rangel et al, 2021).…”