Comparative effects of foliar biogenic selenium nanoparticles and selenite on soybean growth, seed quality, selenium speciation and bioaccessibility.

ABSTRACT: Selenium (Se) biofortification of crops presents a sustainable strategy to address Se deficiency, which globally affects nearly one billion people. Although selenite [Se(IV)] fertilizers are commonly used for biofortification strategies, concerns over their potential toxicity in plants and low bioaccessibility have prompted interest in alternative Se sources, such as biogenic Se nanoparticles (BSeNPs). A field study was conducted to explore the effects of foliar BSeNPs and Se(IV) at 5, 10, and 20 mg L^-¹ on soybean growth, nutritional quality, Se speciation, and bioaccessibility. Application of BSeNPs at 5 mg L^-¹ enhanced shoot biomass (54.2%), seed protein content (62.3%), and total amino acids (76.2%) compared to both the control and corresponding Se(IV) treatments.

SUBMITTER: Ssemalawa SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634606 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature