Biofortification of different maize cultivars with zinc, iron and selenium by foliar fertilizer applications.

ABSTRACT: Fertilizer-based biofortification is a strategy for combating worldwide malnutrition of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se). Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of foliar treatments on concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, N and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in grains of three maize cultivars grown at three locations. We compared the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), Zn complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs), conventional ZnSO₄ and a cocktail solution (containing Zn, Fe and Se). All treatments were foliar-applied at rate of 452 mg Zn L^-1, plus urea. Applying ten-fold less Zn (at rate of 45.2 mg Zn L^-1) plus urea in the form of ZnO-NPs, Zn-CNPs, or ZnSO₄ resulted in no increase, or a negligible increase, in grain Zn co

SUBMITTER: Xue YF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10513412 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature