Foliar application of selenium increased selenium accumulation, speciation, and bioaccessibility, as well as the yield and nutritional quality of sweet maize.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Selenium (Se) deficiency remains a significant global nutritional issue, emphasizing the need for efficient crop-based biofortification interventions.

Methods

This study examined the mechanistic responses of sweet maize (Zea mays L.) to foliar Se fertilization (0, 20, 40, and 60 g ha^-1), focusing on antioxidant regulation, physiological traits, nutrient metabolism, Se speciation, and Se bioaccessibility.

Results

Moderate Se doses (20-40 g ha^-1) enhanced chlorophyll retention and photosynthetic efficiency, accompanied by increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), as well as 22.8% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating improved redox homeostasis. These biochemical improvemen

SUBMITTER: Asamoah EO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757374 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature