The response of broccoli (Brassica oleraceaconvar.italica) varieties on foliar application of selenium: uptake, translocation, and speciation

Abstract

A model small-scale field experiment was set up to investigate selenium (Se) uptake by four different varieties of broccoli plants, as well as the effect of Se foliar application on the uptake of essential elements for plants calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Foliar application of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) was carried out at two rates (25 and 50 g Se/ha), and an untreated control variant was included. Analyses of individual parts of broccoli were performed, whereby it was found that Se in the plant accumulates mainly in the flower heads and slightly less in the leaves, stems, and roots, regardless of the Se rate and broccoli variety. In most cases, there was a statistically significant increase of Se content in all parts of the plant, while there was no confirmed systematic influence of the addition of Se on the changing intake of other monitored elements. Selenization of broccoli leads to an effective increase in the Se content at a rate of 25 g/ha, whereas the higher rate did not result in a substantial increase of Se content compared to the lower rate in all varieties. Therefore, the rate of 25 g/ha can be recommended as effective to produce broccoli with an increased Se content suitable for consumption. Moreover, Se application resulted in an adequate increase of the main organic compounds of Se, such as selenocystine (SeCys2), selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se-methylselenocysteine (Se-MeSeCys).

Limits to the Biofortification of Leafy Brassicas with Zinc

“…Among the broccoli genotypes, Waltham 29 generally had the greatest shoot Zn concentration and Belstar the smallest shoot Zn concentration when Zn fertiliser was applied, although this order was reversed when no Zn fertiliser was applied (Table S1, Figure 3). These data reinforce previous studies reporting significant differences in shoot Zn concentrations among both cabbage [26,29] and broccoli genotypes [30,31]. Shoot Zn concentrations determined at the same substrate Zn concentration differed between years for all broccoli genotypes (Table S1, Figure 3).…”

“…A large variation in shoot Zn concentration has been reported among the genotypes of B. oleracea [26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. For example, shoot Zn concentration among 36 cabbage genotypes grown together in a field in Himachal Pradesh, India, ranged from 0.002 to 0.005 mg Zn g −1 fresh weight [29]; significant differences in leaf Zn concentrations were observed among three cabbage genotypes grown together in the field in Pennsylvania, USA [26]; floret Zn concentrations of 10 broccoli genotypes grown together in Poznań, Poland, ranged from 0.042 to 0.066 mg Zn g −1 DW [30]; the average shoot Zn concentration of 22 kale (B. oleracea var.…”

Selenium Enrichment of Horticultural Crops

“…Selenium spraying has been used to enhance the Se content in potatoes [ 83 ], rice [ 84 ], soybeans [ 85 ], buckwheat and pumpkins [ 86 ], garlic [ 87 ], carrots [ 88 ], broccoli [ 89 ], cabbages [ 76 ], radishes [ 90 ], basil [ 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 ], tomatoes [ 44 , 95 ], peaches and pears [ 40 ], and grapes [ 96 ]. Results of spraying depend on the characteristics of the leaf and fruit surface, such as the presence of hairs, the characteristics of the epicarp, the chemical composition of the epicuticular wax, or the deposition of wax platelets [ 40 ].…”

The Combination of Selenium and LED Light Quality Affects Growth and Nutritional Properties of Broccoli Sprouts

“…Selenium has a significant impact on growth and quality of vegetables. Addition of selenium significantly increases Se content in spinach [ 5 ], broccoli [ 6 ], cabbages [ 7 ], radishes [ 8 ], generally without negatively affecting the biomass and quality of plants. Selenium promotes metabolic activities, particularly antioxidant activities, enhancing plant tolerance under unfavorable growth conditions [ 9 ].…”