Combined foliar application of zinc sulphate and selenite affects the magnitude of selenium biofortification in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

(1) Wheat was simultaneously biofortified through combined foliar Zn and Se applications, while adding ZnSO4 to Se spray exerted an antagonistic effect on the magnitude of Se biofortification; (2) Similar responsive patterns of methionine and cysteine with grain and flour Se concentrations suggested that zinc sulphate and selenium interactions in Se accumulation act through the metabolism of sulphur-containing amino acids in wheat plants. (3) Distinctive patterns of Zn and Se distribution among plant organs were observed. AbstractCombined foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and selenium (Se) has been practiced in wheat biofortification. However, it remains elusive that whether the combined application affects Zn and Se distribution to grain, the efficacy of biofortification and bioavailability in wheat, due to the accompanying sulphate sources. Selenite and ZnSO4 were applied either alone or simultaneously to foliage of wheat in field, and their impacts on Zn and Se partitioning in plants, enrichment and bioavailability in whole grain, bran and flour, as well as amino acid profile in flour, were closely investigated. Grain yield was not influenced by any of the foliar Zn and Se applications. Grain Zn and Se concentrations reached 58.3 –77.9 and 0.30–0.74 mg kg−1 in Zn- and Se-sprayed plants, respectively, and the estimated daily-absorbed Zn by a reference adult from grain and flour were enhanced by 1.2- to 2.4-fold than the control, as well as 16.8-fold increa...
Source: Food and Energy Security - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research