Impact of double Zn and Se biofortification of wheat plants on the element concentrations in the grain

Abstract

Optimisation of the concentrations of essential mineral elements in staple grain diet and reduction in non-essential and potentially toxic elements would considerably alleviate mineral malnutrition and improve the health of humans. Here, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were biofortified with Zn and/or Se to determine the changes across 36 elements in the grain. The element concentrations were determined by multielemental k 0 -instrumental neutron activation analysis (k 0 -INAA). In comparison to grain from non-biofortified plants, Zn fertilisation increased the grain Zn, Ca, and Mo concentrations, whereas the foliar application of Se only increased the grain Se concentrations. Double biofortification (combined Zn fertilisation and foliar Se) was more effective for the increased Se concentrations in the grain, in comparison to the Se-only biofortified plants, with the grain Zn, Ca and Mo concentrations remained at the same levels as those for the Zn-only biofortified plants. Except for Ba, Br and Rb, the concentrations of the elements analysed were below the detection limits. Double biofortification might be a feasible strategy to efficiently coordinate the mineral quality of wheat grain, although the considerable concentrations of other essential and non-essential elements should not be neglected.

Effects of selenium fertilizer on grain yield, Se uptake and distribution in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

“…Many studies have reported that Se uptake of crop could be increased by Se application in wheat (Germ et al 2013), maize (Chilimba et al 2012), rice (Li et al 2010) and other crops (Altansuvd et al 2014). Single effects of foliar spray or application via root of Se on grain Se concentration and yield have been recognized in buckwheat under controlled conditions (Vogrinčič et al 2009).…”

INCREASING OF SELENIUM CONTENT AND QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS IN GARDEN PEA (Pisum sativum L.) AFTER ITS FOLIAR APPLICATION

“…According to Jiang et al [2015], Se accumulation in common buckwheat was closely associated with the application rate of Se, similarly in case of Germ et al [2013] the increase in Se concentrations in the grain of the double fortified plants was 6-fold greater in comparison to the Se-only bio-fortified plants. According to Poblaciones et al [2013] the difference in concentration between selenite and selenate was more evident as the dose increases.…”

Untitled

“…Also the results of other authors proved dependency of Se content increasing on fertiliser dose. According to Jiang et al [2015], Se accumulation in common buckwheat was closely associated with the application rate of Se, similarly in case of Germ et al [2013] the increase in Se concentrations in the grain of the double fortified plants was 6-fold greater in comparison to the Se-only bio-fortified plants. According to Poblaciones et al [2013] the difference in concentration between selenite and selenate was more evident as the dose increases.…”

“…Date of application and dose has to be also very carefully considered, because there is very thin line between toxicity and benefits of Se in human diet. Double biofortification of wheat plants more effectively increases the Se concentrations in the grain, in comparison to single biofortification with Se [Germ et al 2013]. Selenium at low doses has been shown to promote the growth of plants, nevertheless, at high concentrations this metalloid is toxic [Gajewska et al 2013].…”