Selenium Biofortification Modulates Plant Growth, Microelement and Heavy Metal Concentrations, Selenium Uptake, and Accumulation in Black-Grained Wheat

Abstract

In Se-deficient populations, Selenium- (Se-) enriched wheat is a source of Se supplementation, and Se content can be improved by agronomic biofortification. Thus, black-grained wheat (BGW) and white-grained wheat (WGW) (as the control) were grown in Se naturally contained soils at different concentrations (11.02, 2.21, 2.02, and 0.20 mg·kg−1). Then, a field experiment was conducted to assess agronomic performance, the concentration of microelements and heavy metals, and the uptake and distribution of Se in the BGW under the application of Se ore powder. The results showed that the grain yield and grain Se concentration of wheat respectively show a significant increase and decrease from high Se to low Se areas. Higher grain yield and crude protein content were observed in Se-rich areas. The soil application of Se ore powder increased wheat grain yield and its components (biomass, harvest index, grain number, and 1,000 kernels weight). The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn, total Se, and organic Se in the grains of wheat were also increased, but Cu concentration was decreased. The concentrations of Pb, As, Hg, and Cr in wheat grains were below the China food regulation limits following the soil application of Se ore powder. Compared with the control, Se ore powder treatment increased the uptake of Se in various parts of wheat plants. More Se accumulation was observed in roots following Se ore powder application, with a smaller amount in grains. In addition, compared with the control, BGW had significantly higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Mn and accumulated more Se in grains and shoots and less Se in roots. The results indicate that wheat grown in Se-rich areas increases its grain yield and crude protein content. The soil application of Se ore powder promotes wheat growth and grain yield. Compared with WGW, BGW accumulated more Se in grains and had a higher concentration of organic Se in grains. In conclusion, the application of Se ore powder from Ziyang as Se-enriched fertilizer could be a promising strategy for Se biofortification in the case of wheat, and BGW is the most Se-rich potential genotype.

Selenium enhances chilling stress tolerance in coffee species by modulating nutrient, carbohydrates, and amino acids content

“…Although Se is not an essential element for higher plants, it has been shown to increase antioxidant activity ( Ekanayake et al, 2015 ), change carbohydrate metabolism ( Lara et al, 2019 ; Silva et al, 2020 ), protect chlorophyll, and modulate water relations ( Zhang et al, 2014 ). Se application has reduced the side effects of abiotic stress in a wide range of staple crops, such as drought in common beans and rice ( Andrade et al, 2018 ; Ravello et al, 2021 ), heavy metal exposure in wheat ( Liu et al, 2021 ; Hasanuzzaman et al, 2022 ), and salinity in maize and garlic ( Ashraf et al, 2018 ; Astaneh et al, 2019 ).…”

Selenium biofortification of soybean genotypes in a tropical soil via Se-enriched phosphate fertilizers

“…In addition to the high average yield, Se application increased grain yield for the TMG7061 genotype ( Figure 2 ). The response of Se application to plant yield may vary depending on the genotype used ( Thavarajah et al, 2015 ; Liu et al, 2021 ; Sher et al, 2022 ). At present, there are still very few specific reports on Se application in the soybean yield.…”

Effects of steam explosion on the nutritional and functional properties of black‐grained wheat bran and its application

“…Black-grained wheat (BGW), as a rich source of protein and micronutrients, is a good raw material for value-added products. 16 The DPPH radical scavenging activity and TPC of Chinese BGW bran were generally twice as high as that of wholemeal flour, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity was highly positively correlated with TPC. 19 Despite its high nutritional value, BGW bran has yet to be efficiently utilized in food applications.…”

“…Nutritional components of color‐grained wheat are close to those of its colored seed coat, and most of the micronutrients exist in the peripheral part of the grain. Black‐grained wheat (BGW), as a rich source of protein and micronutrients, is a good raw material for value‐added products 16 . The DPPH radical scavenging activity and TPC of Chinese BGW bran were generally twice as high as that of wholemeal flour, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity was highly positively correlated with TPC 19 .…”

“…Color-grained wheat is characterized by different grain colors, compared with common wheat, which is white or red. 16,17 It can produce value-added and functional flour owing to its significant levels of essential nutrients (e.g. iron (Fe)).…”