Search Results (564)

The transformation of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) into hydrochars has been extensively studied in recent years to explore their potential in biofortifying foods and mitigating the plant toxicity associated with SCGs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding activated (ASCG and AH160) and functionalized SCGs, as well as SCG-derived hydrochars (ASCG-Fe and AH160-Fe), on cucumber production and plant iron content. To achieve this, SCGs and SCG-derived hydrochars activated and functionalized with Fe were incorporated into cucumber crops grown in a greenhouse over multiple harvests. Among the treatments, SCG-Fe proved to be the most promising for cucumber production, yielding an average of 25 kg of cumulative production per treatment across three harvests. Regarding iron content, the average results across all harvests showed that SCGs and functionalized SCG-hydrochars matched the performance of the commercial chelate (0.108 vs. 0.11 mg Fe/100 g fresh weight). However, in subsequent harvests, iron appeared to leach out, with the activated bio-products (ASCG and AH160) leaving the highest iron reserves in the soil. Additionally, the hydrochar activated at 160 °C demonstrated the highest utilization efficiency. In conclusion, the incorporation of SCG residues and second-generation residues (hydrochars) shows promise as agents for biofortifying cucumbers. Full article

To better understand the effects of agronomic practices on yield–nutrition relationships in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains for Zn biofortification while improving yields simultaneously, effects of different soil fertilization and different drone-based foliar spraying treatments were investigated in calcareous soils. For soil fertilization, the incorporation of Zn or increasing the N/P ratio in compound fertilizers proved to be effective in enhancing grain Zn concentrations and yields. However, the overall effects of soil fertilization are limited, with a maximal yield increase of only 7.0% and a maximal increase of the grain Zn concentration from 19.4 to 27.0 mg/kg, which is far below the target biofortification value of 40–50 mg/kg. Unfortunately, there was a negative side effect, which decreased Fe and Mn concentrations and the Fe bioavailability. Notably, drone-based foliar Zn sprayings increased grain yields from the control 7.5 t/ha to 8.6 t/ha at ZnO treatment by 12.0% and 8.8 t/ha at ZnSO₄·7H₂O treatment by 17.3%. Meanwhile, grain Zn concentrations were increased from the control 33.5 mg/kg to 41.9 mg/kg at ZnO treatment by 25.1% and 43.6 mg/kg at ZnSO₄·7H₂O treatment by 30.1%. Treatments with ZnSO₄·7H₂O increased grain Zn concentrations and accumulation more so than ZnO, indicating the importance of chemical Zn forms in determining the effectiveness of foliar spraying. Moreover, foliar Zn sprayings simultaneously increased grain concentrations and accumulation of Fe, Mn and Cu, demonstrating multiple benefits. There were positive correlations between Zn and Fe, Mn or Cu, indicating synergistic interactions. Compared to micronutrients, concentrations of grain macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) were less affected. Thus, a dual-benefit in both grain yields and micronutrient (particularly for Zn) nutrition could be effectively achieved through appropriate soil fertilization and foliar Zn spraying. These findings provide a better understanding of the yield–nutrition relationship among wheat grain yields, Zn and other nutrient elements for a better integrated manipulation to achieve a win–win situation in yield and nutrition. Full article

Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) are essential O-containing metal-binding ligands involved in maintaining metal homeostasis, various metabolic processes, and plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Malate, citrate, and oxalate play a crucial role in metal detoxification and transport throughout the plant. This review provides a comparative analysis of the accumulation of LMWOAs in excluders, which store metals mainly in roots, and hyperaccumulators, which accumulate metals mainly in shoots. Modern concepts of the mechanisms of LMWOA secretion by the roots of excluders and hyperaccumulators are summarized, and the formation of various metal complexes with LMWOAs in the vacuole and conducting tissues, playing an important role in the mechanisms of metal detoxification and transport, is discussed. Molecular mechanisms of transport of LMWOAs and their complexes with metals across cell membranes are reviewed. It is discussed whether different endogenous levels of LMWOAs in plants determine their metal tolerance. While playing an important role in maintaining metal homeostasis, LMWOAs apparently make a minor contribution to the mechanisms of metal hyperaccumulation, which is associated mainly with root exudates increasing metal bioavailability and enhanced xylem loading of LMWOAs. The studies of metal-binding compounds may also contribute to the development of approaches used in biofortification, phytoremediation, and phytomining. Full article

Indoor farming systems enable plant production in precisely controlled environments. However, implementing stable growth conditions and the absence of stress stimulants can weaken plants’ defense responses and limit the accumulation of bioactive, health-beneficial phytochemicals. A potential solution is the controlled application of stressors, such as supplemental ultraviolet (UV) light. To this end, we analyzed the efficiency of short-term pre-harvest supplementation of the red–green–blue (RGB, LED) spectrum with ultraviolet B (UV-B) or C (UV-C) light to boost phytochemical synthesis. Additionally, given the biological harm of UV radiation due to high-energy photons, we monitored plants’ photosynthetic activity during treatment and their morphology as well as sensory attributes after the treatment. Our analyses showed that UV-B radiation did not negatively impact photosynthetic activity while significantly increasing the overall antioxidant potential of lettuce through enhanced levels of secondary metabolites (total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins), carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. On the contrary, UV-C radiation-induced anthocyanin accumulation in the green leaf cultivar significantly harmed the photosynthetic apparatus and limited plant growth. Taken together, we showed that short-term UV-B light supplementation is an efficient method for lettuce biofortification with healthy phytochemicals, while UV-C treatment is not recommended due to the negative impact on the quality (morphology, sensory properties) of the obtained leafy products. These results are crucial for understanding the potential of UV light supplementation for producing functional plants. Full article

Insufficient dietary vitamin intake can lead to severe health conditions in humans. Improving the vitamin E (VE) content of food crops such as rice through breeding is an economical and effective means to alleviate this problem. In this study, Homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) and γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (γ-TMT), two genes derived from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., a high VE species), were introduced into an elite rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar “Ningjing 7” for biofortification. We verified the successful expression of the two genes in multiple transformation events. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that transgenic plants expressing either HaHPT alone or HaHPT and HaTMT accumulate more VE compared with the wild type. We also revealed that the level of α-tocopherol, the form of VE with the highest biological activity, had increased to 2.33 times in transgenic HaTMT plants compared with the wild type. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression levels of some chlorophyll synthesis pathway genes related to VE precursor synthesis significantly increased during grain filling in transgenic rice grains. No difference in agronomic traits was observed between the transgenic plants and their wild type except for a slightly reduced plant height associated with the transgenic plants. These data demonstrate that the heterologous expression of HaHPT gene is effective in increasing the total VE content, while HaTMT plays an important role in the relative abundance of α-tocopherol in rice grains. This study demonstrates a promising strategy for breeding rice with elevated VE content via metabolic engineering. Full article

This study assessed eleven elements in 24 edible-podded peas, including sugar snap pea and snow pea genotypes aiming to identify promising parents for nutraceutical breeding. Elemental concentrations of pods (dry weight basis) were estimated through inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ranges for these elements varied significantly, highlighting the diverse elemental profiles within the edible-podded pea genotypes. All the elements exhibited a high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation along with considerable heritability and hereditary progress. Positive and significant correlations were recorded among all elements, suggesting the potential for simultaneous selection for these traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first two components accounted for 80.56% of the variation. Further, cluster analysis, based on Euclidean distance, grouped the 24 cultivars into two major clusters. Cluster I exhibited higher means for all estimated concentrations compared to Cluster II. Notably, Dwarf Grey Sugar and Arka Sampoorna from the snap pea group and PED-21-5 and Sugar Snappy from the sugar snap pea in Cluster II demonstrated superior elemental concentration in whole pods. The selected edible-podded pea genotypes serve as valuable genetic resources for new cultivar development, particularly in biofortification efforts targeting whole pod nutrient composition. Full article

A validated marker system is crucial to running an effective genomics-assisted breeding program. We used 36 Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers to genotype 376 clones from the biofortified cassava pipeline, and fingerprinted 93 of these clones with DArTseq markers to characterize breeding materials and evaluate their relationships. The discriminating ability of the 36-quality control (QC) KASP and 6602 DArTseq markers was assessed using 92 clones genotyped in both assays. In addition, trait-specific markers were used to determine the presence or absence of target genomic regions. Hierarchical clustering identified two major groups, and the clusters were consistent with the breeding program origins. There was moderate genetic differentiation and a low degree of variation between the identified groups. The general structure of the population was similar using both assays. Nevertheless, KASP markers had poor resolution when it came to differentiating the genotypes by seed sources and overestimated the prevalence of duplicates. The trait-linked markers did not achieve optimal performance as all markers displayed variable levels of false positive and/or false negative. These findings represent the initial step in the application of genomics-assisted breeding for the biofortified cassava pipeline, and will guide the use of genomic selection in the future. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a nutrient whose daily intake is often below the recommended levels in people. Biofortification with Se is a method to increase this intake by raising the Se concentration in tomato fruits, an effect dependent on sources and modes of application. Additionally, Se application can promote the enhancement of other compounds in tomato fruits, altering their metabolism, which may increase the fruit’s shelf life. This study aimed to determine how different strategies of applying a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing Se (SeMNF) can increase the Se content and other bioactive compounds and enhance the shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits. Different foliar fertilization strategies involving the use of SeMNF were evaluated in field trials conducted on commercial tomato crops. Indeterminate-growth tomatoes were used, and different Se doses and application strategies were tested. Harvesting was conducted in three phases according to fruit ripening. Each harvested fruit was assessed for the Se content, macro and micronutrients, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solids in tomato fruits. Doses of 15 g ha⁻¹ of Se, split into three applications, increased the Se content in the fruits at 1 and 2 harvests. The application of SeMNF at Se doses above 10 g of Se ha⁻¹ increased firmness, days of ripening, and the nutritional quality of the tomatoes (higher contents of carotenoids (+39%), lycopene (+33%), antioxidant activity (+16%), total phenolic compounds (+38%), and vitamin C (+14%) in a dose-dependent effect of the application strategy used. These results contributed to an increase in the shelf life of tomatoes, consequently reducing food waste. Full article

Selenium (Se) is one of the human essential elements and the input of Se for its biofortification is common in rice production to meet the demand for Se in the population. Biological nano-selenium (nano-Se) is a new type of nanoscale microbial synthetic material. However, the effects of biological nano-Se on aromatic rice performance metrics, such as yield formation, grain quality parameters, and the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP, the key component of aromatic rice aroma), have rarely been reported. Therefore, this study conducted a field experiment with two cropping seasons and two aromatic rice genotypes to explore the effects of the foliar application of biological nano-Se on aromatic rice performance metrics. The results showed that the foliar application of biological nano-Se at 3–4 days before panicle differentiation or the heading stage increased the grain yield of aromatic rice. Dry matter accumulation and the leaf area index increased under Nano-Se application. Furthermore, the foliar application of Nano-Se at 3–4 days before panicle differentiation significantly enhanced the activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced malondialdehyde content. The foliar application of Nano-Se at the grain-filling stage also increased 2-AP content. In addition, nano-Se application substantially increased the grain Se content in aromatic rice. Full article

The increasing frequency and duration of marine heatwaves (MHWs) due to climate change pose severe threats to aquaculture, causing drastic physiological and growth impairments in farmed fish, undermining their resilience against additional environmental pressures. To ensure sustainable production that meets the global seafood demand and animal welfare standards, cost-effective and eco-friendly strategies are urgently needed. This study explored the efficacy of the red macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis on juvenile white seabream Diplodus sargus reared under optimal conditions and upon exposure to a MHW. Fish were fed with four experimental diets (0%, 1.5%, 3% or 6% of dried powdered A. taxiformis) for a prophylactic period of 30 days (T30) and subsequently exposed to a Mediterranean category II MHW for 15 days (T53). Biometric data and samples were collected at T30, T53 and T61 (8 days post-MHW recovery), to assess performance indicators, biomarker responses and histopathological alterations. Results showed that A. taxiformis supplementation improved catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities and reduced lipid peroxidation promoted by the MHW, particularly in fish biofortified with 1.5% inclusion level. No histopathological alterations were observed after 30 days. Additionally, fish biofortified with 1.5% A. taxiformis exhibited increased citrate synthase activity and fish supplemented with 1.5% and 3% showed improved digestive enzyme activities (e.g., pepsin and trypsin activities). Overall, the present findings pointed to 1.5% inclusion as the optimal dosage for aquafeeds biofortification with A. taxiformis, and confirmed that this seaweed species is a promising cost-effective ingredient with functional properties and great potential for usage in a climate-smart context. Full article

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body. However, its intake is generally low. Therefore, the production and utilisation of selenium-enriched foods is currently a research hotspot. In this study, the effects of low (0.2 mg·kg⁻¹), medium (1.0 mg·kg⁻¹), and high (5.0 mg·kg⁻¹) concentrations of selenium on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of rice were investigated to develop selenium-enriched rice. High concentrations of selenium have been found to inhibit the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of rice, while low concentrations of selenium promote its growth. The height of mature rice plants exposed to high concentrations of selenium was reduced by 7.20% compared with the height of control rice. Selenium decreased the proline content of rice during the growth period except in mature rice treated with medium and high concentrations of selenium. Excluding high concentrations, selenium treatment increased the soluble sugar content of rice from the tillering to the mature stages. The peroxidase activity of rice at the heading stage treated with medium levels of selenium was significantly higher than that of the control rice, while the superoxide dismutase activity of rice exposed to selenium was significantly enhanced at the mature stage. The malondialdehyde levels of mature rice treated with medium and high levels of selenium were significantly lower than those of the control rice. The selenium content of each plant part was significantly correlated with the soil selenium level. An increase in the soil selenium level facilitated the production of selenium-enriched rice. Full article

The biofortification of edible crops with selenium (Se) is a common and effective strategy to address inadequate Se intake, which is suffered by millions of people worldwide. However, there is little information regarding the effects of this practice on crops belonging to the important Brassica family. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application on broccoli, four treatments with varying Se concentrations were tested: 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (w/v), applied as sodium selenate during the early flowering stage. Although no overall effects on growth and biomass parameters were observed, the results indicate that the lowest Se dose (0.05-Se) was sufficient to notably increase Se concentration in the florets, even after boiling. Based on the increase to 14.2 mg Se kg⁻¹ of dry matter in this broccoli fraction, it was estimated that consuming a 100-gram portion of boiled florets biofortified with 0.05% Se would provide approximately 140 µg of Se, which could be sufficient to potentially improve human selenium status, as previously documented. Moreover, the results obtained underscore how the application of this small dose was also adequate to reduce phytate concentration in the florets and to increase antioxidant and polyphenol concentrations, thereby improving the concentration and bioavailability of other essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, along with improving its quality as an antioxidant food. Full article

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds have various nutritional and therapeutic benefits and are thus considered a valuable addition to animal and human health. Hence, in this study, we aimed to induce the nutritive and biological value of anise seeds. To this end, the potential biofortification effect of the endophytic Actinomycetota sp. JW0824 strain, isolated during the fall of 2023 from the medicinal plant Achyranthes aspera, exhibiting natural distribution in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, was investigated in four varieties of anise seeds from Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, and Morocco. Results revealed significant increments (p < 0.05) in the seed dry weight percentage (DW%) and oil yields. In line with increased biomass accumulation, the metabolism of the primary and secondary metabolites was increased. There were differential increases in proteins, sugars, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, vitamins (e.g., β-carotene, ascorbic acid), and essential oil components (e.g., phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes), along with their precursor phenylalanine. Consistently, the activity of L-phenylalanine aminolyase (PAL) was increased in the Egyptian and Tunisian varieties at 83.88% and 77.19%, respectively, while 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) activity increased in all varieties, with a significant 179.31% rise in the Egyptian variety. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of Actinomycetota sp. JW0824 as a bioinoculant for anise seeds, suggesting its potential application in agricultural practices to improve seed yield and quality. Further field trials are recommended to assess the commercial viability of this endophyte for enhancing anise seed production and potentially benefiting other plant species. Full article

To enhance the selenium (Se) intake of the general public, the present study implemented biofortification techniques in alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts possess unique nutritional value and provide an optimal Se-enriched supplemental Se source. The impact of sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) on alfalfa shoot germination, shoot length, and biomass was assessed experimentally, and changes in the antioxidant capacity of sprouts treated with optimal Se concentrations were investigated. In addition, the transcriptome of alfalfa sprouts treated with the optimal Na₂SeO₃ concentration was sequenced. Gene co-expression networks, constructed through differential gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, were used to identify the core genes responsible for Se enrichment in alfalfa sprouts. The findings of the present study offer novel insights into the effects of Se treatment on the nutrient composition of alfalfa sprouts, in addition to introducing novel methods and references that could facilitate production of Se-enriched alfalfa sprouts and associated products. Full article

Zinc enrichment of edible food products, through the soil and/or foliar application of fertilizers, is a strategy that can increase the contents of some nutrients, namely Zn. In this context, a workflow for agronomic enrichment with zinc was carried out on irrigated Vitis vinifera cv. Syrah, aiming to evaluate the mobilization of photoassimilates to the winegrapes and the consequences of this for winemaking. During three productive cycles, foliar applications were performed with ZnSO₄ or ZnO, at concentrations ranging between 150 and 1350 g.ha⁻¹. The normal vegetation index as well as some photosynthetic parameters indicated that the threshold of Zn toxicity was not reached; it is even worth noting that with ZnSO₄, a significant increase in several cases was observed in net photosynthesis (P_n). At harvest, Zn biofortification reached a 1.2 to 2.3-fold increase with ZnSO₄ and ZnO, respectively (being significant relative to the control, in two consecutive years, with ZnO at a concentration of 1350 g.ha⁻¹). Total soluble sugars revealed higher values with grapes submitted to ZnSO₄ and ZnO foliar applications, which can be advantageous for winemaking. It was concluded that foliar spraying was efficient with ZnO and ZnSO₄, showing potential benefits for wine quality without evidencing negative impacts. Full article