Agronomic biofortification efficiency of upland rice genotypes with selenium and its relation to grain nutritional quality

Abstract

There are conclusive evidences of selenium (Se) deficiency in Brazilian soils, which can lead Se deficiency in plants, animals and humans. Thus, is needed to increase the Se concentration on edible parts of modern cultivars, because the highest yield has shown a low micronutrient content and poor nutritional food quality. Rice is one of the main edible crop in the Brazilian diet, so the agronomic biofortification with selenium can be a good strategy to increase selenium levels in Brazilian population. There is a lack of information about the genotypic variation on selenium accumulation in rice plants and the possibility to screen more efficient and responsive plants to selenium supply. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genotypic differences on selenium accumulation and its relationship to nutritional quality of grains. In order to select responsive genotypes to selenium supply, 35 upland rice genotypes will be evaluated under 2 levels of selenium supply (0 and 0,1 mg dm-3), using 4 replications, totaling 280 pots. The agronomic biofortification efficiency will be calculated by the selenium uptake, translocation and accumulation in grains. The nutrients, aminoacids, protein, sugars and total phytates will be analyzed in harvested grains. The better understanding of key factors involved on genotypic variation and selenium accumulation in plants in response to fertilizer, can provide powerful information for plant breeding, mineral nutrition, fertilization, and for production of better nutritional quality food. (AU)