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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (9 April 2021) | Viewed by 50661

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Dr. Massimiliano D'Imperio

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Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy
Interests: malnutrition; in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion process; bioavailability; tailored food; soilless system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Francesco Serio

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Guest Editor

Institute of Sciences of Food Production, CNR–National Research Council of Italy, Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
Interests: assessment and improvement of quality traits in horticultural products; cultivation protocols aimed to produce high nutritional value vegetables (biofortification, application of artificial light in greenhouse; soilless systems

Dr. Francesco Di Gioia

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Guest Editor

Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Interests: sustainable vegetable production; hydroponics; plant nutrition; agronomic biofortification; vegetable quality
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Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Sękara

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Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29-Listopada 54, 31-425 Krakow, Poland
Interests: plant eco-physiology; biotic and abiotic stresses; biofortification and biostimulation of horticultural crops and cultivated mushrooms; functional food
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Dr. Carla Sancho dos Santos

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Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina – Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology; climate change; plant nutrition and nutritional stresses; legume grains
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I hereby invite you to contribute to this Special Issue titled "From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products" in the MPDI journal Agronomy.

Biofortification is the process used to increase the concentration of a nutrient in edible portions of plants through genetic selection (by conventional plant breeding and/or genetic modification) or agronomic intervention. A novel challenge in agriculture is the production of tailored foods, i.e., foods specifically suitable for target groups of people with particular nutritional needs. However, although most research on tailored foods has been focused on biofortification with the aim to increase the content of nutrients in plant tissues, it should be noted that, in groups of populations with specific physiological conditions, it is recommended to reduce the uptake of specific nutrients in order to improve health condition.

In the future, approaches should therefore consider innovative agronomics methods including soilless systems; the application of tailored radiation wavelengths and levels; and biofortification by using nanocarriers, nanoparticles, and/or natural organic matrices as a natural source of essential elements for human health.

Finally, possible secondary effects, such as altered content of other nutrients and antinutrient compounds and effects during post-harvest including long-term storage of produce, as well as the bioavailability of the nutrient in the biofortified crop, need to be considered.

These and more issues related to the biofortification of crops are expected to be covered by research and review manuscripts submitted to this Special Issue.

Dr. Massimiliano D'Imperio
Dr. Francesco Serio
Dr. Francesco Di Gioia
Assoc. Prof. Agnieszka Sękara
Dr. Carla Sancho dos Santos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Staple crops
Vegetable crops and mushrooms
Nutrient solution
Biostimulants
Tailored foods
Micronutrient metabolism
Nanocarriers and nanoparticles
Bioaccessibility
Post-harvest stability
Nutritional value

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pulsed LED Light: Exploring the Balance between Energy Use and Nutraceutical Properties in Indoor-Grown Lettuce

by Laura Carotti, Giulia Potente, Giuseppina Pennisi, Karina B. Ruiz, Stefania Biondi, Andrea Crepaldi, Francesco Orsini, Giorgio Gianquinto and Fabiana Antognoni

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061106 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3639

Abstract

In indoor vertical farms, energy consumption represents a bottleneck for both a system’s affordability and environmental footprint. Although switching frequency (sf) represents a crucial factor in determining the efficacy of light emitting diodes (LED) lighting systems in converting electricity into light, the impact of sf is still underexplored. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of LEDs sf on the productive and qualitative responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), also considering the resource use efficiency. Plants were grown for 14 days under red and blue LEDs (215 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 16/8 h light/dark, with a red:blue ratio of 3) characterized by two different sf for the blue diode, namely high sf (850 kHz) and low sf (293 kHz). A fluorescent light (same light intensity and photoperiod) was included. LED sf did not alter plant morphological parameters, including fresh or dry biomass, leaf number, leaf area, or water use efficiency. A low sf increased the energy use efficiency (EUE) by 40% as compared to high sf. The latter enhanced the leaf antioxidant capacity, as a consequence of increased concentrations of caftaric and chicoric acids, isoquercetin, and luteolin, consistent with the upregulation of a few genes related to the biosynthetic pathway of phenolic compounds (4C3H and DFR). The study highlights that different sf may significantly affect the EUE as well as crop nutritional properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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16 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhancement to Salt Stress Tolerance in Strawberry Plants by Iodine Products Application

by Julia Medrano Macías, María Guadalupe López Caltzontzit, Erika Nohemi Rivas Martínez, Willian Alfredo Narváez Ortiz, Adalberto Benavides Mendoza and Paulino Martínez Lagunes

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030602 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4432

Abstract

Iodine is a non-essential element for land plants, but is considered as a beneficial element, related to antioxidant capacity, environmental adaptations and improvement of plant growth. Salinity is one of the more recurrent abiotic stresses worldwide, seriously affecting vegetal production. The aim of this work was to evaluate iodine application (Q products^® and KIO₃, Quimcasa de México, Naucalpan, Mexico) in strawberry plants under normal and salt stress conditions. Growth, antioxidant content, essential minerals, iodine accumulation and fruit quality were evaluated. The results showed that, under stress conditions, the application of Q products increased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity as well as glutathione (GSH) content and yield in fruit, without avoiding biomass loss; with the application of KIO₃ an increase in GSH and APX activity as well as P and K concentrations were obtained. In leaves an increase in P, Ca, Mn and iodine accumulation was evidenced with the application of Q products, and an increased concentration of ascorbic acid and iodine with KIO₃ treatments. Under normal conditions in fruits, the application of Q products increased phenolic compounds synthesis; additionally, an increase in Ca and Mn concentrations was shown. KIO₃ application increased the firmness and Mn. In leaves, the application of Q products increased chlorophyll a, b and calcium. In conclusion, the application of iodine improves the quality value of strawberries under normal conditions and provides an enhancement of salt stress tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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12 pages, 1991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agrotechnical Biofortification as a Method to Increase Selenium Content in Spring Wheat

by Aleksandra Radawiec, Wiesław Szulc and Beata Rutkowska

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030541 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1885

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is insufficiently present in the human diet. Increasing its content in food through appropriately matched agricultural practices may contribute to reducing Se deficit in humans. The study covered the effect of grain, soil, as well as grain and soil fertilization with selenium combined with foliar application at different stages of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) development. The fertilization involved the application of sodium selenate. Fertilization with selenium had no significant effect on the grain yield. Grain application, soil application, and grain and soil application combined with foliar application at particular development stages of the plant significantly contributed to an increase in selenium content in grain. The study showed that the accumulation of selenium in spring wheat depends on the type of fertilization and term of its application. The best method of introducing selenium into the plant is grain and soil fertilization combined with foliar application at the stage of tillering and stem elongation (G + S + F1-2) for which the highest selenium content was obtained (0.696 mg·kg⁻¹ Se). The applied biofortification methods contributed to the increase in selenium in the grain of spring wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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18 pages, 6220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Improve Grain Iron Concentration of Agro-Biofortified Crops in Zimbabwe?

by Muneta G. Manzeke-Kangara, Florence Mtambanengwe, Michael J. Watts, Martin R. Broadley, R. Murray Lark and Paul Mapfumo

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010124 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

Improving iron (Fe) concentration in staple grain crops could help reduce Fe-deficiency anaemia in communities dependent on plant-based diets. Co-application of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers has been reported to improve both yield and grain Zn concentration of crops in smallholder farming systems. This study was conducted to determine if similar effects are observed for grain Fe concentration. Field experiments were conducted in two years, in two contrasting agro-ecologies in Zimbabwe, on maize (Zea mays L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) and two finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) “seed pools”. The two finger millet “seed pools” were collected during previous farmer surveys to represent “high” and “low” Fe concentrations. All plots received foliar Fe-ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) fertilizer and one of seven N treatments, representing mineral or organic N sources, and combinations thereof. Higher grain yields were observed in larger N treatments. Grain Fe concentration increased according to species: maize < finger millet < cowpea but varied widely according to treatment. Significant effects of N-form on grain Fe concentration were observed in the low finger millet “seed pool”, for which mineral N fertilizer application increased grain Fe concentration to a greater extent than other N forms, but not for the other species. Whilst good soil fertility management is essential for yield and grain quality, effects on grain Fe concentration are less consistent than reported previously for Zn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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14 pages, 5133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Iodine Biofortification of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Grown in Field

by Iwona Ledwożyw-Smoleń, Sylwester Smoleń, Stanisław Rożek, Włodzimierz Sady and Piotr Strzetelski

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121916 - 06 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3504

Abstract

Despite wide prevention programmes, iodine deficiency remains a substantial problem in various populations around the world. Consumption of crop plants with increased iodine content may help supply additional amounts of that element in a daily diet. The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of iodine biofortification of potato tubers. Soil application of KI and foliar application of KIO₃ in doses up to 2.0 kg I ha⁻¹ were tested in a three-year field experiment. Biomass, yield as well as dry matter, iodine, starch, and soluble sugar content in potato tubers were analyzed. No negative effect of tested methods of iodine application on potato yield or dry matter content was observed. Both soil and foliar application of iodine allowed to obtain potato tubers with increased content of that element with no decrease of starch or sugar content. The highest efficiency of iodine biofortification was noted for foliar spraying with KIO₃ in a dose of 2.0 kg I ha⁻¹. The obtained level of iodine in 100 g of potatoes could be sufficient to cover up to 25% of Recommended Daily Allowance for that element. The findings of the study indicate that potatoes biofortified with iodine can become an additional source of I in a daily diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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17 pages, 3449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vanadium on the Uptake and Distribution of Organic and Inorganic Forms of Iodine in Sweetcorn Plants during Early-Stage Development

by Marlena Grzanka, Sylwester Smoleń and Peter Kováčik

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1666; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111666 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3271

Abstract

Iodine and vanadium are elements that are closely related to organisms in water environments. Iodine and vanadium are known as “beneficial elements” that stimulate the growth and development of higher plants. Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine in the human body, with vanadium also known to be involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The cooperation of both elements in the human body and in algae presents a question regarding the impact of vanadium interaction on iodine uptake in higher plants. The absorption of iodine from seawater in algae is known to be more efficient in the presence of vanadium, with key role in this process played by the iodoperoxidase enzyme, with vanadium acting as a cofactor. The study of the nature of the absorption of iodine by higher plants, and in particular by crops such as corn, remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vanadium on iodine uptake via vanadium-dependent iodoperoxidase (vHPO) activity in sweetcorn plants (Zea mays L. subsp. Mays Saccharata Group) “Złota Karłowa”. The experiment was carried out with organic and inorganic iodine compounds, namely potassium iodide (KI), potassium iodate (KIO₃), 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA), and 2-iodobenzoic acid (2-IBeA), each used in a dose of 10 μM. These compounds were applied with and without vanadium in the form of ammonium methavanadate (NH₄VO₃) at a dose of 0.1 μM. A double control was used, the first without iodine and vanadium and the second with vanadium but without iodine. Root length, root mass, and above-ground weight were significantly higher after iodine and vanadium compared to controls. Plants were collected at the five true leaf stage. vHPO activity level was much higher in the roots than in the leaves, but greater variation in the leaves was observed between treatments in terms of vHPO activity. Vanadium was shown to accumulate in the roots. The use of a relatively low dose of vanadium may have caused changes in the accumulation of this element in the aerial parts of the plant, leaves, and shoots. Fertilization with iodine and vanadium compounds decreased the accumulation of most minerals, macroelements, and microelements compared to controls. The obtained results of iodine accumulation in individual parts after applying iodine and vanadium fertilization testify to the stimulating effect of vanadium on iodine uptake and accumulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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17 pages, 3654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carrots (Daucus carota L.) Biofortified with Iodine and Selenium as a Raw Material for the Production of Juice with Additional Nutritional Functions

by Łukasz Skoczylas, Małgorzata Tabaszewska, Sylwester Smoleń, Jacek Słupski, Marta Liszka-Skoczylas and Rafał Barański

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091360 - 10 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4462

Abstract

Many people around the world struggle with the problem of an insufficient supply of iodine (I) and selenium (SE) in their diet. Food enriched with these elements is a good source of iodine and selenium. Juices made from four carrot (CJ) cultivars and biofortified with iodine and selenium (BCJs) were investigated to determine their I and Se contents, their impact on the supply of these elements to the diet, and losses in the production process. Other juice parameters important for consumers health were also determined. A significant increase in I and Se content relative to CJ was observed for each BCJ. The losses of I and Se (relative to raw material) during juice preparation were depended based on variety and added elements. Carrot biofertilization with iodine and selenium contributed to decreased contents of dry matter, total soluble solids, protein, sugars, and β-carotene in the juices and lower antioxidative activity as compared with CJ. Biofortification had little effect on the color and pH of juices. Finally, six polyphenolic compounds were identified and determined. Despite the reduction in the content of some ingredients in BCJ, they still remain their valuable source. Their added value is the increased content of iodine and selenium, which largely cover the daily demand for these elementals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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17 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Biofortified with Iodine by KIO₃, 5-Iodo-, and 3.5-Diiodosalicylic Acid in a Hydroponic Cultivation

by Olga Sularz, Sylwester Smoleń, Aneta Koronowicz, Iwona Kowalska and Teresa Leszczyńska

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10071022 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8614

Abstract

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the daily consumption of table salt should be reduced. To avoid the health consequences of iodine deficiency, it is necessary to include alternative food sources of this trace element in the human diet. One of the most effective ways of improving nutrition is the biofortification of crops with minerals and vitamins. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of iodine biofortification (potassium iodate/KIO₃/, 5-iodosalicylic acid/5-ISA/and 3.5-diiodosalicylic acid/3.5-diISA/) on the chemical composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. capitata) cv. ‘Melodion’. Plants were cultivated in a hydroponic system NFT (Nutrient Film Technique). We compared the effect of iodine fertilization on the basic chemical composition, fatty acid profile, macro- and micronutrients, content of sugars, nitrogenous compounds, chlorides, and iodine compounds. The results obtained in this research indicate that the application of iodine compounds has an influence on changes of concentration of iodine and other compounds in the treated samples. In lettuce, the main fatty acid was linolenic acid; however, fertilization with iodine did not affect the fatty acid profile in plants, except for concentrations of myristic and arachidic acids. We also found that iodine fortification has positive effects on concentrations of some micro- and micronutrients. Moreover, the application of 3.5-diISA decreased the concentration of nitrates as compared to control and other treatments. Therefore, it may be postulated that the production of lettuce fortified with iodosalicylates is worthy of consideration due to the fact that it may be a good source of iodine and other compounds in the human diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

15 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boron Biofortification of Portulaca oleracea L. through Soilless Cultivation for a New Tailored Crop

by Massimiliano D’Imperio, Angelo Parente, Francesco F. Montesano, Massimiliano Renna, Antonio F. Logrieco and Francesco Serio

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070999 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3326

Abstract

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a wild edible plant, traditionally consumed in the Mediterranean area and recently proposed as a new ready-to-eat vegetable; it is also called the “vegetable for long life” because of the high contents of several healthy compounds. Although boron (B) is not considered to be essential for humans, a daily intake of about 2 mg to obtain positive effects on aging in adult men and women has been suggested. In this study, two genotypes of purslane (wild collected and commercial variety) are grown by using a hydroponic system with three boron (B) levels in the nutrient solution (NS) (0.3 mg/L—control, 3 mg/L—low level of biofortification, and 6 mg/L—high level of biofortification) in order to increase the B content in the edible parts of the plant. The crop yield, color traits, and content of glucose, fructose, total phenols, chlorophylls, carotenoids, mineral elements (Al, B, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn), nitrate, and oxalate are analyzed. Independent of the genotype, the B content in edible purslane was successfully increased in comparison with the control, obtaining 1.8- to 10.7-fold higher values of B tissue concentrations by using, respectively, 3 and 6 mg/L of B in the NS without affecting crop performances. From a nutritional point of view, the average daily intake of B could be satisfied by consuming about 75 or 48 g of purslane, grown by using 3 and 6 mg/L B level in the NS, respectively. Apart from B and Fe, the content of mineral elements in edible parts of purslane was not strongly influenced by different B levels in the NS but it was affected by genotypes. A lower sugar content was found in wild purslane grown with the highest B level. A higher content of both chlorophylls and carotenoids was found in the control but only for the commercial genotype. No differences in oxalate content were observed among B levels in the NS, while only in the case of wild genotype, we found a lower nitrate content when a B concentration of 3 mg/L was used in the NS. In conclusion, we demonstrated the possibility of using the floating hydroponic system, combined with specific B concentrations in the NS composition, as a method to calibrate the B uptake in edible parts of purslane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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19 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical Response of Oakleaf Lettuce Seedlings to Different Concentrations of Some Metal(oid) Oxide Nanoparticles

by Rita Jurkow, Agnieszka Sękara, Robert Pokluda, Sylwester Smoleń and Andrzej Kalisz

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070997 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2666

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) significantly modify the physiological functions and metabolome of plants. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of CeO_2, Fe₂O₃, SnO₂, TiO₂, and SiO₂ nanoparticles, applied in foliar spraying of oakleaf lettuce at concentrations 0.75% to 6%, on the antioxidant enzyme activity and content of non-enzymatic antioxidants, chlorophyll pigments, fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW). It was found that 3% Fe₂O₃-NPs caused a 27% decrease in fresh weight compared to control plants. Fe₂O₃-NPs caused an increase in dry weight (g 100 g⁻¹ FW) when compared to the control for all concentrations, but total DW (g per plant) was similar for all NPs treatments. Significant increases in chlorophyll a + b content after treatment with 1.5% and 6% SiO₂-NPs, 3% Fe₂O₃-NPs, and 3% TiO₂-NPs were noted. Fe₂O₃-NPs caused a significant increase in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase (only for 3% Fe₂O₃-NPs). SnO₂-NPs decreased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activity (for all tested concentrations) but increased catalase (CAT) activity when a 3% suspension of these NPs was applied. The level of glutathione (GSH) increased due to application of all metal/metalloid oxides, with the exception of SnO₂-NPs. When all concentrations of TiO₂-NPs were applied, L-ascorbic acid increased significantly, as well as increasing at higher concentrations of SiO₂-NPs (3% and 6%) and at 0.75% and 3% Fe₂O₃-NPs. SiO₂-NPs and TiO₂-NPs significantly elevated the carotenoid and total phenolic content in treated plants compared to the control. The total antioxidant capacity of plants treated with 3% CeO₂-NPs was almost twice as high as that of the control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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13 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enrichment of Different Plant Seeds with Zinc and Assessment of Health Risk of Zn-Fortified Sprouts Consumption

by Renata Bączek-Kwinta, Agnieszka Baran, Magdalena Simlat, Jakub Lang, Maciej Bieniek and Bartłomiej Florek

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070937 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2670

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is a nutrient that regulates many vital functions of the human body, hence the demand for Zn in the balanced daily nutrition has to be covered. Priming of seeds with Zn for Zn-enriched sprout production can be considered a good alternative to artificial supplementation in a modern diet. Hence, the aim of our study was to determine the exposure level of Zn bringing neither risk for humans nor growth inhibition of enriched broccoli, pea and sunflower sprouts. Seeds treated with 0, 10, 20 and 30 μg mL⁻¹ ZnSO₄ responded in a differentiated way to Zn. Pea seed germination and sprout growth was diminished by 30 μg mL⁻¹ ZnSO₄, but for sunflower sprouts this Zn level resulted in the highest fresh mass and largest hypocotyls. Zn content in sprouts greatly increased in a dose-dependent manner, mostly in broccoli (up to 25 times) and peas (up to 4 times), and to a lesser extent (up to 120%) for sunflowers. Free radical scavenging activity was usually decreased. Considering the potential non-carcinogenic risk of sprouts consumption estimated by the hazard analysis, the safest exposure level for seed priming will be 10 μg mL⁻¹ ZnSO₄. It was confirmed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA analyses indicating no DNA variations in sprouts treated with 10 μg mL⁻¹ ZnSO₄ compared to the control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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14 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Benefits and Limitations of Non-Transgenic Micronutrient Biofortification Approaches

by Edward Marques, Heather M. Darby and Jana Kraft

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030464 - 03 Mar 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7957

Abstract

Increasing the amount of micronutrients in diets across the world is crucial to improving world health. Numerous methods can accomplish this such as the biofortification of food through biotechnology, conventional breeding, and agronomic approaches. Of these, biofortification methods, conventional breeding, and agronomic approaches are currently globally accepted and, therefore, should be the primary focus of research efforts. This review synthesizes the current literature regarding the state of biofortified foods through conventional breeding and agronomic approaches for crops. Additionally, the benefits and limitations for all described approaches are discussed, allowing us to identify key areas of research that are still required to increase the efficacy of these methods. The information provided here should provide a basal knowledge for global efforts that are combating micronutrient deficiencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification to Tailored Crops and Food Products)

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