Search Results (146)

Enhancing the nutritional content of crops is crucial for safeguarding human health and mitigating global hunger. A viable method for attaining this goal is the planned implementation of various agronomic practices, including tillage and nutrient provision. A field experiment was executed at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő in the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. The study aimed to assess the effects of foliar nutrient supply and soil tillage methods on the grain nutritional composition and mineral content of winter barley. Employing a split-plot design with three replications, the experiment included four nutrient treatments (control, bio-cereal, bio-algae, and MgSMnZn blend) and two soil tillage types (i.e., plowing and cultivator). The results indicated that while protein content was not influenced by the main effects of nutrients and tillage, the levels of β-glucan, starch, crude ash, and moisture content were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the nutrient treatments and by growing year, treated as a random factor. Notably, bio-algae and bio-cereal nutrients, combined with cultivator tillage, enhanced β-glucan content. All applied nutrient treatments increased the level of starch compared to the control. With regard to grain mineral content, the iron and zinc content responded to the nutrient supply, tillage, and growing year. However, applying a multiple-nutrient composition-based treatment did not increase iron and zinc levels, suggesting that individual applications may be more effective for increasing the content of these minerals in grains. Cultivator tillage improved iron and zinc levels. Moreover, manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were predominantly affected by nutrient availability and by growing seasons as a random factor. Therefore, to improve grain quality, this study emphasizes the significance of proper nutrient and tillage methods by focusing on the intricate relationships between agronomic techniques and environmental factors that shape barley’s nutritional profile. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

Iron deficiency is a widespread public health concern, particularly in regions where rice (Oryza sativa) and beans (Phaseolus spp.) are staple foods with naturally low bioavailable iron content. Agronomic biofortification is a practical strategy to increase micronutrient levels in crops through soil, foliar, and seed-based fertilization techniques. This review synthesizes scientific studies published between 2014 and 2024 that evaluated the effectiveness of agronomic iron biofortification methods in rice and beans. The results demonstrate that site-specific interventions, such as the selection of iron sources and application methods, can improve iron concentration in grains and contribute to more nutritious and resilient food systems. However, challenges remain. There is limited information about human iron bioavailability, and the response to fertilization varies depending on soil and environmental conditions. To address these gaps, future research should include bioavailability assessments and field validation. Even so, integrating iron biofortification into standard fertilization practices is a promising approach to improve food quality and combat hidden hunger in vulnerable populations. Full article

Rice is a staple food for over half of the world’s population, and it is grown in over 100 countries. Rice blast disease can cause 10% to 30% crop loss, enough to feed 60 million people. Breeding for resistance can help farmers avoid costly fungicides. This study assessed the relationship between rice blast disease and zinc or anthocyanin content in biofortified rice. Susceptibility to foliar and panicle blast was assessed in a rice panel which differed on grain zinc content and pigmentation. A rice panel (n = 23) was challenged with inoculum of two isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae in a screenhouse-based assay. The zinc content with foliar blast severity was analyzed in the leaves and grain of a subset of non-inoculated rice plants. The effect of foliar zinc supplementation on seedlings was assessed by varying levels of zinc fertilizer solution on four blast susceptible cultivars at 14 days after planting (DAP), followed by inoculation with the blast pathogen at 21 DAP. Foliar blast severity was scored on a 0–9 scale at 7 days after inoculation. The rice panel was scored for anthocyanin content, and the data were correlated with foliar blast severity. The panel was grown in the field, and panicle blast, grain yield and yield-related agronomic traits were measured. Significant differences were observed in foliar blast severity among the rice genotypes, with IRBLK-KA and IR96248-16-2-3-3-B having mean scores greater than 4, as well as BASMATI 370 (a popular aromatic variety), while the rest of the genotypes were resistant. Supplementation with foliar zinc led to a significant decrease in susceptibility. A positive correlation was observed between foliar and panicle blast. The Zn in the leaves was negatively correlated with foliar blast severity, and had a marginally positive correlation with panicle blast. There was no relationship between foliar blast severity and anthocyanin content. Grain yield had a negative correlation with panicle blast, but no correlation was observed between Zn in the grain and grain yield. This study shows that Zn biofortification in the grain may not enhance resistance to foliar and panicle blast. Furthermore, the zinc-biofortified genotypes were not agronomically superior to the contemporary rice varieties. There is a need to apply genomic selection to combine promising alleles into adapted rice genetic backgrounds. Full article

Zinc deficiency is a major contributor to hidden hunger, affecting billions of people worldwide, particularly in vulnerable populations. Agronomic biofortification with zinc is a promising strategy to increase both crop productivity and the nutritional quality of food, especially in countries like Brazil, where tropical soils are often deficient in this micronutrient. This review analyzes the main technologies applied in the zinc biofortification of edible crops in Brazil, including fertilizer types, application methods, doses, and the use of innovative approaches such as nano-fertilizers and biofertilizers. The results show that the foliar application of zinc sulfate at doses of 600 g ha⁻¹ increased zinc concentration in grains by 25–40% without reducing crop yields. Additionally, the use of zinc nanoparticles increased wheat grain zinc content by up to 30% and biomass production, while biofertilizer application with diazotrophic bacteria raised zinc concentration in maize grains by 12.7–18.2%. These technologies demonstrate potential for enhancing zinc use efficiency and improving the nutritional quality of crops. Standardizing biofortification practices is essential to maximize their impact on food and nutritional security, contributing to the prevention of zinc deficiency in human populations. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial crop for biofortification that is widely consumed and is cultivated in soils with low levels of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). The study evaluated how upland rice genotypes can increase Se and Zn in grains with foliar fertilization and analyzed the impact on agronomic characteristics and protein and amino acid contents. Experiments in Lambari and Lavras used a 5 × 4 factorial design with five genotypes (BRS Esmeralda, CMG 2188, CMG ERF 221-16, CMG ERF 221-19, CMG ERF 85-15) and four treatments (control, without Se; 5.22 g Se ha⁻¹; 1.42 kg Zn ha⁻¹; and combined Zn+Se) with three replicates. The study showed that CMG ERF 85-15, with Se fertilization, increased grain yield in Lambari. In Lavras, adding Zn to CMG 2188 and CMG ERF 85-15 improved grain yield. In Lambari, most variables were grouped with Zn+Se, except grain yield and free amino acids in the grain. In Lavras, variables associated with Se, proteins, free amino acids in the polished grain, hulling in whole and polished grain, and milling yield were grouped under the treatment Zn+Se. We recommend the genotype CMG ERF 85-15 based on the results for foliar biofortification with Zn+Se. Full article

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) has emerged as a valuable crop not only for its economic potential but also for its role in sustainable food systems due to its high consumer demand and adaptability. As global agricultural systems face increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and nutritional challenges, a strategic synthesis of research is essential to guide future innovation. This review aims to critically assess and synthesize major advancements in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) research from 2010 to 2025, with the objectives of identifying key genetic improvements, evaluating agronomic innovations, and examining sustainable production strategies that collectively enhance crop performance and resilience. The analysis is structured around three core pillars: genetic improvement, agronomic optimization, and sustainable agriculture, each contributing uniquely to the enhancement of sweet corn productivity and environmental adaptability. In the genetics domain, recent breakthroughs such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and marker-assisted selection have accelerated the development of climate-resilient hybrids with enhanced sweetness, pest resistance, and nutrient content. The growing emphasis on biofortification aims to improve the nutritional quality of sweet corn, aligning with global food security goals. Additionally, studies on genotype–environment interaction have provided deeper insights into varietal adaptability under varying climatic and soil conditions, guiding breeders toward more location-specific hybrid development. From an agronomic perspective, innovations in precision irrigation and refined planting configurations have significantly enhanced water use efficiency, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Research on plant density, nutrient management, and crop rotation has further contributed to yield stability and system resilience. These agronomic practices, when tailored to specific genotypes and environments, ensure sustainable intensification without compromising resource conservation. On the sustainability front, strategies such as reduced-input systems, organic nutrient integration, and climate-resilient hybrids have gained momentum. The adoption of integrated pest management and conservation tillage further promotes sustainable cultivation, reducing the environmental footprint of sweet corn production. By integrating insights from these three dimensions, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for the future of sweet corn research, merging genetic innovation, agronomic efficiency, and ecological responsibility to achieve resilient and sustainable production systems. Full article

The soil application of essential trace elements, such as selenium and its various agrochemical species, presents a real challenge for modern agriculture. However, unknown exceeding threshold concentrations could target potential toxicity within the soil–plant–organism. When applied at optimal levels and combined with the common buckwheat—a crop of the future known for its high nutritional value—this poses a novel academic approach. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the effect of three concentrations (150, 300, and 600 g/ha) of selenium species (sodium selenite and sodium selenate) on mobility and distribution within the common buckwheat plant, including its impact on the biofortification. The research was carried out during the 2022 and 2023 seasons through pot experiments in semi-regulated conditions located in the Central European agronomic region. Following manual harvesting, chemical analysis was conducted using methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), along with yield determination. The results confirmed the positive effect of Se⁶⁺ 150 g/ha and Se⁴⁺ 150 g/ha and 300 g/ha on seed yield. Oppositely, Se⁶⁺ 600 g/ha caused a decrease in seed yield of 23.87%. For biofortification of common buckwheat is most suitable Se⁶⁺ in a dose of 150 g/ha, where the Se content in seeds, 3.30 ± 0.46 mg/kg, was achieved. The soil fertility index, based on PCA, indicated that Se⁶⁺ at 150 g/ha exhibited the highest biofortification efficiency without compromising yield. Full article

Eruca sativa has been widely chosen among species to be cultivated in plant factories as microgreens, especially due to its nutraceutical and sensory qualities. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of blue light intensity (5 and 20 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and exposure time (1 and 2 h per day) on the yield and quality of arugula microgreens in plant factories. Blue light supplemental to white light for 1 h did not impair the hypocotyl lengths (HLs) or cotyledon area (CA) and yield of arugula microgreens compared with those grown only with white light. However, when the blue light time increased from 1 to 2 h, there were reductions in HL, CA and yield, with greater reductions under 20 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The concentrations of chlorophylls, carotenoids, vitamin C and antioxidant power responded similarly to the supply of blue light and were maximized with 20 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. In view of these results, the supplementation of blue light with 20 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for 1 h is proposed, since it did not cause a reduction in growth and yield parameters and promoted the agronomic biofortification of arugula microgreens, bringing nutraceutical and, therefore, commercial benefits to the producer and consumer. Full article

Biofortification has emerged as an important approach for improving minerals and vitamin deficiencies through the application of agronomic and biotechnological methodologies. Vitamin A, one of the most deficient vitamins, disproportionately affects children in developing countries, highlighting the urgent need for vitamin A-enriched cultivars. The present study aimed to characterize common bean germplasm for vitamin A contents and to identify the genomic regions associated with this trait. A total of 177 common bean landraces and 6 commercial cultivars were evaluated under five environments and two locations. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions. Across all years and all locations, Bilecik-6 exhibited the lowest vitamin A contents (1.67 µg/100 g dry seed), while Civril-Bolu had the highest (3.23 µg/100 g dry seed). Landraces from Balıkesir province were found to be rich in vitamin A content and should be considered as potential genetic resources for common bean biofortification. Additionally, a genomic region located on Pv06 was identified as being linked to vitamin A content. The genomic and genetic resources identified in this study will be valuable for the breeding community aiming to develop vitamin A-enriched common bean cultivars. Full article

Common beans are an essential food source worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and are grown in soils poor in selenium (Se), a mineral essential for human health. Adding Se to fertilizers is a promising technique; however, more studies are needed on the efficacy of this technique on common beans. This study aimed to evaluate the biofortification utilizing Se-enriched nitrogen fertilizers on common bean seeds’ agronomic, physiological, and nutritional characteristics. The pot experiment used a randomized block design with five treatments (urea, Se-enriched urea, ammonium sulfate, Se-enriched ammonium sulfate, and without N and Se), four genotypes (BRS Cometa, BRS Estilo, BRSMG Madrepérola and Pérola), and three replicates. The highest seed yield was 28.31 g pot⁻¹ with Pérola genotype fertilized Se-enriched ammonium sulfate. Photosynthetic rates ranged from 30.37 to 39.06 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for Pérola and BRSMG Madrepérola, both with Se-enriched ammonium sulfate. The highest seed Se concentration was 11.17 µg g⁻¹, with BRSMG Madrepérola fertilized with Se-enriched urea being 22.02%, 17.64%, and 22.47% higher than BRS Cometa, BRS Estilo, and Pérola, respectively. Se-enriched nitrogen fertilizers boost seed yield and alter physiological responses based on genotypes and Se-fertilizer interactions. Se-enriched fertilizers applied to soil can increase the Se concentration in common beans. Full article

Selenium (Se) biofortification is a promising agronomic strategy to enhance the dietary intake of this essential micronutrient while simultaneously adding value to agricultural by-products like Brassica oleracea L. var. italica leaves. This study evaluated the effects of foliar Se biofortification on a fresh market broccoli cultivar (‘Belstar’) using selenite and selenate (1 and 2 mM). Growth performance, biochemical properties, nutraceutical quality, and phytohormone profiles of broccoli leaves were analyzed, highlighting their potential as functional by-products. Multivariate analysis revealed that 2 mM selenite application was the most effective treatment, significantly improving several parameters. Selenium biofortification with 2 mM selenite increased essential nutrient content, including Se, Ca, S, Fe, Mn, Mg, and Mo. It also enhanced the soluble protein content (+2.2-fold), phenolic compounds (+1.5-fold), and total antioxidant capacity (+1.4-fold) compared to control plants. In this sense, the nutraceutical quality of broccoli leaves was markedly improved, supporting their use as a source of bioactive ingredients. Additionally, to assess practical applications, water-extracted Se-enriched broccoli leaves demonstrated antifungal activity against the plant pathogen Fusarium solani, attributed to Se-induced alterations in phytohormone profiles. These findings suggest that Se-biofortified broccoli leaves can serve as a sustainable source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds for the food industry. Furthermore, their antifungal properties position them as potential eco-friendly biopesticides to combat plant pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans. However, much of the world’s human population is deficient in this element, which has become a public health problem. This study aimed to evaluate whether applying severe water stress to wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) could allow Se to reduce the production losses and increase the grain quality, thereby contributing to the reduction in hidden hunger. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with five doses of Se (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 mg dm⁻³) and two irrigation conditions (with and without water deficit). When sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄) was applied to the soil, the grains were rich in Se. Under low doses, there was an enrichment of the grains in sulfur, iron, copper, and zinc as well as total free amino acids and total soluble proteins, and lower losses in productivity under severe water stress. Higher doses decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), increased the catalase activity, and increased the water use efficiency (WUE). Therefore, applying Se at a dose of 0.25 mg dm⁻³ is effective for the biofortification of wheat grains. It enhances grain nutritional quality, increases Se bioaccessibility, and reduces production losses under water stress conditions. Full article

Iron (Fe) and iodine (I) are essential microelements required for a healthy life, with Fe playing a vibrant role in oxygen transport, and I is vital for cognitive development and thyroid function. Global Fe and I deficiencies affect a significant portion of the population worldwide, leading to widespread health concerns, especially anemia, impaired cognitive function, and thyroid disorders. This review not only inspects the potential of agronomic biofortification to enrich Fe and I content in tomatoes, but also highlights its bright future for crop nutrition. It discusses the latest developments in agronomic biofortification methods focused on improving the enrichment of Fe and I in tomatoes, emphasizing practical approaches such as seed priming, soil application, and foliar spray. Notably, the review explores the promising impacts of Fe and I biofortification on growth, yield, and improved fruit quality in tomatoes. Moreover, it offers an in-depth investigation of the efficacy of agronomic biofortification in enhancing the nutritional contents of tomatoes by combining the most recent research findings. It highlights the impact of agronomic biofortification in mitigating micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and its capacity to encourage sustainable agriculture and improve community health by enhancing crop nutrition. Full article

Since plant’s edible parts are one of the most important sources of nutrition, agronomic biofortification plays a huge role in overcoming mineral deficiency worldwide. The field-based research trial was set up in 2 years (2020 and 2021) with seven different treatments of foliar Zn and Se biofortification: 1. control (without Se or Zn solutions); 2. Se_1 treatment: 10 g/ha Se; 3. Se_2 treatment: 20 g/ha Se; 4. Se_3 treatment: 30 g/ha Se; 5. Zn_1 treatment: 3 kg/ha Zn; 6. Zn_2 treatment: 6 kg/ha Zn; 7. Se_3 Zn_2 treatment: 30 g/ha Se + 6 kg ha Zn. There were six soybean varieties of the 00 to I maturity group (Ika, Korana, Lucija, Sonja, Sunce, and Toma) included in the study, which originated from the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia. After sampling the plants at the harvest, the macro- and micronutrient status in the grain, pods, leaves, and stems were determined, as well as nutrient removal by the plant. In general, biofortification treatment has a very significant influence (p < 0.001) on both Zn and Se accumulation in soybean grain and the removal of the elements within all above-ground organs. The highest increments of Zn in the soybean grain were determined at the Zn_2 treatment, which was 43% higher than the control treatment. The Toma variety accumulates the highest Zn in the grain (61.47 mg/kg), and the Lucija variety accumulates the highest Se (1070.71 µg/kg). The Se content in the soybean grain was the highest at the Se_3 treatment, where it was 53 times higher compared to the control. The linear regression showed that for each kg Zn and g Se applied, the grain status increased by 3.18 mg/kg and 338.71 µg/kg, respectively. The highest Zn nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of foliar biofortification for grain (2.6%) and vegetative mass (4.4%) was with 3 kg/ha (Zn_1). Generally, for all the Se treatments, it was found that the seed and vegetative mass yields of 4.0 t/ha have average Se NUE, around 38%, and vegetative mass of around 6%. Full article