Search

Agroforestry is a specific type of agroecosystem that includes trees and shrubs with the potential to yield nutrient-rich products that contribute to human health. This paper reviews the literature on the human health benefits of tree nut and berry species commonly associated with agroforestry systems of the United States, considering their potential for preventing certain diet-related diseases. Emphasis is placed on those diseases that are most closely associated with poor outcomes from COVID-19, as they are indicators of confounding health prognoses. Results indicate that tree nuts reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, and walnuts (Juglans species) are particularly effective because of their unique fatty acid profile. Berries that are grown on shrubs have the potential to contribute to mitigation of hypertension, prevention of Type II diabetes, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. To optimize human health benefits, plant breeding programs can focus on the traits that enhance the naturally-occurring phytochemicals, through biofortification. Value-added processing techniques should be selected and employed to preserve the phytonutrients, so they are maintained through the point of consumption. Agroforestry systems can offer valuable human health outcomes for common diet-related diseases, in addition to providing many environmental benefits, particularly if they are purposefully designed with that goal in mind. The food system policies in the U.S. might be reoriented to prioritize these food production systems based on the health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, where cereal-based meals make up the majority of the daily diet, bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a key grain crop. Micronutrient deficiencies are a result of the lack of a diverse food culture in the nation. Genotypes of bread wheat that have been biofortified might be introduced to address this. It is anticipated that more information on the genotype x year interaction of these nutrients in grain will help us better understand the size of this interaction and perhaps even identify more stable genotypes for this attribute. Year revealed divergent responses to grain iron and zinc. Compared to zinc, iron showed lowest variation across year. Maximum temperature was the major determinant for the four traits. Iron is also significant correlation with zinc. Among the total fifty-two genotype, HP-06, HP-22, HP-24, HP-25, HP-33, HP-44, and HP-45 were found superior for zinc and iron content. These genotypes with high levels of zinc and iron can be used in a hybridization programme to further crop improvement. Wide-scale cultivation of the chosen genotype with high zinc and iron content in the agro-climatic conditions of Jammu will work with the region's current cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofortification is a global-scale agricultural approach that can improve human nutrition. Agronomic biofortification is viewed as a quick-fix and supplemental approach. Agronomic biofortification, especially foliar application, is highly effective for zinc and iron. A field experiment on agronomic biofortification of zinc and iron micronutrients in mango cv. Kesar was carried out in 2016-2017 at the Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications containing 9 treatments. The results show that foliar application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 (0.5% each) resulted in higher N (48.73 mg/100 g) and K (94.17 mg/100 g) in the pulp and P (0.056%) in the peel of mango. The iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents in pulp and peel were highest in treatment T9 (0.50% FeSO4 + 0.50% ZnSO4), which was on par with those in treatment T8 (0.50% FeSO4 + 0.25% ZnSO4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the impact of modern agronomy practices on public health. It explores various innovative approaches, such as precision agriculture and sustainable farming, that aim to improve food quality and nutrition while safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities. The document emphasizes the significance of these practices in relation to increased productivity, resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improved crop nutrition. By implementing these practices, healthier and more sustainable food systems can be created, promoting the well-being and health of people worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

Peanut is a major food crop prone to enrichment in toxic cadmium (Cd). To control Cd levels in peanut, this study aimed to develop a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) model for determining Cd concentration in peanut kernels as an alternative to traditional wet chemistry techniques, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and destructive. Near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectra of 110 bulk peanut kernel samples were collected, and Cd concentration of the kernel samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A robust quantitative NIRS prediction model for Cd concentration in peanut kernels was developed for the first time. In the calibration set, the best model had a high coefficient of determination (Rcal2 = 0.9194) and a low root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV = 0.0388). In the prediction set of 105 additional peanut kernel samples not involved in the model development, the coefficient of determination (Rp2) was as high as 0.9539 and the root mean square error of prediction was as low as 0.0341. This study provides a rapid and low-cost screening tool for low-Cd breeding and Cd management in peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition, defined as both undernutrition and overnutrition, is a major global health concern affecting millions of people. One possible way to address nutrient deficiency and combat malnutrition is through biofortification. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to explore the current state of biofortification research, including techniques, applications, effectiveness and challenges. Biofortification is a promising strategy for enhancing the nutritional condition of at-risk populations. Biofortified varieties of basic crops, including rice, wheat, maize and beans, with elevated amounts of vital micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C, have been successfully developed using conventional and advanced technologies. Additionally, the ability to specifically modify crop genomes to improve their nutritional profiles has been made possible by recent developments in genetic engineering, such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The health conditions of people have been shown to improve and nutrient deficiencies were reduced when biofortified crops were grown. Particularly in environments with limited resources, biofortification showed considerable promise as a long-term and economical solution to nutrient shortages and malnutrition. To fully exploit the potential of biofortified crops to enhance public health and global nutrition, issues such as consumer acceptance, regulatory permitting and production and distribution scaling up need to be resolved. Collaboration among governments, researchers, non-governmental organizations and the private sector is essential to overcome these challenges and promote the widespread adoption of biofortification as a key part of global food security and nutrition strategies.

At present, we have adequate production of rice to fulfill the needs of humans. Now it is time to produce biofortified rice, whose grains contain enough amounts of nutrients like iron and boron. Two field experiments were carried out in Kharif 2019 and 2020 at Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), India, to find the effect of iron and boron nutrition on rice with different planting densities. The main plot treatment consists of three planting densities, and the subplot treatment consists of five foliar applications of micronutrients. They were tested in a split-plot design (SPD) with three replications. The results revealed that the rice transplanted with one seedling/hill gave the highest iron and boron content in grains and/or the crop fortified with iron and boron at 0.1 and 0.04% applied at the maximum tillering (MT) and panicle initiation (PI) stages of rice, respectively. The higher values of yield-contributing characters such as effective tillers/m2, panicle length (cm), grain weight/panicle (g), and test weight (g), as well as quality parameters such as nutrient content in grain (mg/kg), volume expansion ratio, protein content in grains (%), and amylose content (%) of rice were noticed in one seedling/hill except effective tillers/m2 during the first and second years. Application of Fe and B at the MT and PI stages of rice improved almost all the yield attributes and quality parameters. Planting density of two and three seedlings/hill was recorded at par values of grain yield, followed by one seedling/hill. Rice transplanted with three seedlings/hill obtained an average of 10.1 and 10.6% more grain yield than one seedling/hill during the first and second years, respectively. However, the application of Fe at 0.1% and B at 0.04% during both stages through foliar spray resulted in the highest seed yield and showed parity with the application of iron at 0.1% at the MT stage and boron at 0.04% at the PI stage. Economics revealed that the planting density of three seedlings/hill gave the maximum net returns of 61,585 and 66,752 ₹/ha with a benefit–cost ratio of 2.12 and 2.19 during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Furthermore, the highest net returns (62,188 and 67,938 ₹/ha) and benefit–cost ratio (2.15 and 2.23) were observed from the treatment of iron at 0.1% and boron at 0.04% at the MT and PI stages during the first and second years, respectively.

The production and consumption of soybeans are widespread due to their nutritional and industrial value. Nutrient enrichment is vital for improving the nutritional quality of soybeans. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of amino acids (AA) and zinc (Zn) on agronomic traits and the accumulation of grain Zn in soybeans. The experimental design comprised 16 treatment combinations involving four levels of amino acid application (0, 50, 100, and 150 ml 100 L-1) and Zn (0, 2, 4, and 6 mg L-1) following a randomized complete block design with three replications in field conditions. The results demonstrated that the application of foliar Zn and AA did not affect the yield, whereas that of AA50*Zn2 and AA150*Zn2 affected the number of pods and branches. The effects of AA application on N and the protein content in grains were determined to be significant. The application of AA100*Zn6 emerged as the most effective treatment for the enhancement of Zn biofortification in soybean grains. The combined foliar application of AA and Zn contributed to enhanced Zn accumulation in the grains.

Introduction This commentary explores modern agronomy concepts aimed at enhancing public health through sustainable and nutrient-rich agricultural practices. We explore various innovative approaches, includ­ing precision agriculture, sustainable farming, efficient nutrient management, crop diversity, biofortification, climate-resilient farming, vertical farming and urban agriculture, digital agriculture, and agroecology (see Figure 1). Our commentary delves into each of these modern agronomy prac­tices, unveiling their intricate web and profound implications for public health. We aim to demon­strate the potential of modern agronomy as a catalyst for improving public health and the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide. These concepts collectively strive to elevate public health by improving food quality, enhancing nutrition, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities. By harnessing these cutting-edge agronomic concepts, we aspire to transform agriculture into a powerful force for improving public health and enhancing overall quality of life. . . .

The concentration of mineral nutrients in plants is associated with bioavailabilities of soil mineral nutrients, which are regulated by various soil physio-chemical properties. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of soil type on grain and straw zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations of wheat/Amblyopyrum muticum and wheat/Triticum urartu doubled haploid lines. A set of 42 treatments in a factorial combination with 21 genotypes and two soil types collected from Ngabu and Chitedze Research Stations in Malawi was laid in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in three replicates. Pre-experiment soil Zn and Fe were extracted using DTPA extraction method followed by analysis with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Aqua-regia hotplate acid digestion was used to extract soil Se and analysis was done using ICPM-MS. Grain and straw samples were digested using nitric acid digestion (HNO3) and analysed using ICP-MS. Soil analysis results showed that the two soils had the same textural class (Sandy clay loam), but different mineral concentrations, pH levels and percentage organic matter. Analysis of variance revealed a ~two-fold higher Zn concentration in grains grown in low pH, high Zn soils (Chitedze soils) compared to grains grown in high pH, low Zn soils (Ngabu soils). Variation in grain Zn concentration was associated with the genotypes (p = 0002), soil type (p =

BACKGROUND: Zinc biofortification of rice could sustainably improve zinc status in countries where zinc deficiency is common and rice is a staple, but its efficacy has not been tested. Fatty acid desaturases (FADS) are putative new zinc status biomarkers. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to test the efficacy of zinc-biofortified rice (BFR) in preschool-aged children with zinc deficiency. Our hypothesis was that consumption of BFR would increase plasma zinc concentration (PZC). METHODS: We conducted a 9-mo, double-masked intervention trial in 12-36-mo-old rural Bangladeshi children, most of whom were zinc-deficient (PZC  0.05). There was a time-treatment interaction for height-for-age z-scores (P

Maize enriched in provitamin A carotenoids could be key in combatting vitamin A deficiency in human populations relying on maize as a food staple. Consumer studies indicate that orange maize may be regarded as novel and preferred. This study identifies genes of relevance for grain carotenoid concentrations and kernel color, through simultaneous dissection of these traits in 10 families of the US maize nested association mapping panel that have yellow to orange grain. Quantitative trait loci were identified via joint-linkage analysis, with phenotypic variation explained for individual kernel color quantitative trait loci ranging from 2.4% to 17.5%. These quantitative trait loci were cross-analyzed with significant marker-trait associations in a genome-wide association study that utilized ∼27 million variants. Nine genes were identified: four encoding activities upstream of the core carotenoid pathway, one at the pathway branchpoint, three within the α- or β-pathway branches, and one encoding a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase. Of these, three exhibited significant pleiotropy between kernel color and one or more carotenoid traits. Kernel color exhibited moderate positive correlations with β-branch and total carotenoids and negligible correlations with α-branch carotenoids. These findings can be leveraged to simultaneously achieve desirable kernel color phenotypes and increase concentrations of provitamin A and other priority carotenoids.

Biofortification technology is an intervention activity that has an effort to increase the concentration of micronutrients in food. The adoption of farmers is very good, indicated by the increasing biofortified farming activities in Kuala Dua Village. Thisincrease can be seen from the achievement of the cropping index from 200 to 300 and production from 4 tonnes per hectare to an average of between 6 -tonnes per hectare. It also can be concluded that the farmer’s adoption is very good, indicated by the increasing biofortified farming activities in Kuala Dua Village. It can be seen from the achievement of a cropping index from 200 to 300 and production from 4 tonnes per hectare to between 6 -7 tonnes per hectare. The results of this can be used for the prevention of stunting in Kuala Dua Village, Sungai Raya District, Kubu Raya Regency

In light of the dual challenges posed by climate change and the burgeoning global population, which are putting food security at risk, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable agricultural innovations. These innovations must be capable of increasing crop productivity and maintaining soil health, reducing our dependence on synthetic agrochemical inputs, and preserving the nutritional quality of our food crops. It is crucial to delve into the biological and physiological processes that underlie plant-microbe interactions. Such knowledge is paramount in harnessing the advantages of these interactions for sustainable agriculture. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms through which beneficial rhizosphere and soil bacteria, known as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), contribute to enhancing crop yields, bolstering stress resilience, and improving the nutritional quality of crops. We explore the vital capabilities of PGPB, encompassing nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, iron chelation through microbial siderophores, and modulation of hormonal signaling pathways. The PGPB taxa in focus include rhizobial diazotrophs (genera Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium) and diverse heterotrophic genera (Azotobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas). Recent studies have provided compelling evidence of the effectiveness of PGPB in biofortification interventions, which involve enriching essential micronutrients in crops through microbial enhancement of nutrient mobilization, uptake, translocation, and acquisition. Understanding the genomic and metabolic mechanisms that govern plant growth promotion, abiotic stress tolerance, pathogen inhibition, and biofortification by PGPR is pivotal. Such insights can inform endeavors to optimize, formulate, and apply tailored PGPR inoculants. Adopting a systems perspective that acknowledges the intricate interactions among plants, microbes, and soil in this context is essential. Furthermore, we advocate for continued research in various domains, including microbiota recruitment, PGPR screening, the cumulative effects of various approaches, developing effective delivery systems, field testing, and integrating these findings with breeding programs. Interdisciplinary collaboration among microbial ecologists, plant physiologists, crop scientists, and farmers will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of plant-microbe associations to ensure sustainable agriculture and food crop quality. In summary, more profound insights into PGPB biology and their interactions with plants offer a promising path toward enhancing productivity and sustainability in the face of escalating demands.

Abstract Yellow pigment content, mainly due to the accumulation of carotenoids, is a quality trait in durum wheat grain as it confers the bright yellow color to pasta preferred by consumers. Also, carotenoids are essential nutrients exerting important biological functions in human health. Consequently, biofortification strategies have been developed in many crops to increase carotenoid content. In this context, carotenoid esterification is emerging as a new breeding target for wheat biofortification, as carotenoid esters have been found to promote both carotenoid accumulation and stability. Until recently, no carotenoid esters have been identified in significant proportions in durum wheat grains, and interspecific breeding programs have been started to transfer esterification ability from common wheat and Hordeum chilense. In this work, XAT-7A1 is identified as the gene responsible for carotenoid esterification in durum wheat. Sequencing, copy number variation and mapping results show that XAT-7A1 is organized as tandem or proximal GDSL esterase/lipase copies in chromosome 7A. Three XAT-7A1 haplotypes are described: Type 1 copies, associated with high levels of carotenoid esters (diesters and monoesters) production and high expression in grain development; Type 2 copies, present in landraces with low levels of carotenoid esters (monoesters) or no esters; and Type 3 copies, without the signal peptide, resulting in zero-ester phenotypes. The identification of XAT-7A1 is a necessary step to make the carotenoid esterification ability available for durum and bread wheat breeding, which should be focused on the Type 1 XAT-7A1 haplotype, which may be assessed as a single gene since XAT-7A1 copies are inherited together.

Soybean is a major crop in Brazil and is usually grown in oxidic soils that need high rates of phosphate (P) fertilizers. Soybean is also very suitable for biofortification with Se, since its grains have high protein contents and are widely consumed worldwide (directly or indirectly). Few studies have addressed Se application under field conditions for soybean biofortification, especially in tropical soils. Here, we evaluated agronomic and physiological responses resulting from different strategies for biofortifying soybean grains with Se by applying this element via soil, using both conventional and enhanced-efficiency P fertilizers as Se carriers. The experiment was carried out at the Uva Farm, in Capão Bonito (São Paulo), Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block split-plot design, with four fertilizer sources-conventional monoammonium phosphate (C-MAP), conventional monoammonium phosphate + Se (C-MAP + Se), enhanced-efficiency monoammonium phosphate (E-MAP), and enhanced-efficiency monoammonium phosphate + Se (E-MAP + Se), and four soybean genotypes (M5917, 58I60 LANÇA, TMG7061, and NA5909). The selenium rate applied via C-MAP + Se and E-MAP + Se was 80 g ha-1. The application of the tested fertilizers was carried out at the sowing of the 2018/2019 cropping season, with their residual effect being also assessed in the 2019/2020 cropping season. Selenium application increased grain yield for the TMG7061 genotype. For all evaluated genotypes, Se content in grains increased in the 2018/2019 harvest with the application of Se via C-MAP + Se and E-MAP + Se. In general, the application of Se via C-MAP favored an increase in amino acid contents in grains and decreased lipid peroxidation. In summary, the application of Se-enriched P fertilizers via soil increased soybean grain yield, leading to better grain quality. No residual effects for biofortifying soybean grains were detected in a subsequent soybean cropping season.

There has been much interest in the incorporation of organic molecules or biostimulants into foliar fertilizers with the rationalization that these compounds will enhance the uptake, or subsequent mobility of the applied nutrient. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of an inositol-based plant stimulant on the mobility and accumulation of foliar-applied zinc (Zn) in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). High-resolution elemental imaging with micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) was utilized to examine Zn distribution within the vascular bundle of the leaf and whole grains. The inclusion of myo-inositol with Zinc sulfate, significantly increased Zn concentration in shoots in contrast to untreated controls and Zn sulfate applied alone. Foliar Zn treated plants increased Zn in grains by 5-25% with myo-inositol plus Zn treated plants significantly increasing grain Zn concentration compared to both Zn treated and non-treated controls. XRF imaging revealed Zn enrichment in the bran layer and germ, with a very low Zn concentration present in the endosperm. Plants treated with Zn plus myo-inositol showed an enhanced and uniform distribution of Zn throughout the bran layer and germ with an increased concentration in the endosperm. While our data suggest that foliar application of myo-inositol in combination with Zn may be a promising strategy to increase the absorption and mobility of Zn in the plant tissue and subsequently to enhance Zn accumulation in grains, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which myo-inositol affects plant metabolism and nutrient mobility.

Zinc, through its structural and cofactor roles, affects a broad range of critical physiological functions, including growth, metabolism, immune and neurological functions. Zinc deficiency is widespread among populations around the world, and it may, therefore, underlie much of the global burden of malnutrition. Current zinc fortification strategies include biofortification and fortification with zinc salts with a primary focus on staple foods, such as wheat or rice and their products. However, zinc fortification presents unique challenges. Due to the influences of phytate and protein on zinc absorption, successful zinc fortification strategies should consider the impact on zinc bioavailability in the whole diet. When zinc is absorbed with food, shifts in plasma zinc concentrations are minor. However, co-absorbing zinc with food may preferentially direct zinc to cellular compartments where zinc-dependent metabolic processes primarily occur. Although the current lack of sensitive biomarkers of zinc nutritional status reduces the capacity to assess the impact of fortifying foods with zinc, new approaches for assessing zinc utilization are increasing. In this article, we review the tools available for assessing bioavailable zinc, approaches for evaluating the zinc nutritional status of populations consuming zinc fortified foods, and recent trends in fortification strategies to increase zinc absorption.

Recent research has discovered that the NAC transcription factor gene ZmNAC78 controls iron intake in maize, which has implications for biofortification of this important crop. By using ZmNAC78, iron levels in maize can be more than doubled compared to current varieties. This breakthrough is significant because iron deficiency affects over two billion people worldwide and can lead to anemia, fatigue, and impaired cognitive development. Maize is a dietary staple for many people in sub-Saharan Africa, but it naturally has low iron levels. Increasing the iron content of maize offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to improving iron nutrition, especially in developing countries. The discovery of the ZmNAC78 gene provides an opportunity to selectively breed maize varieties with high grain yield and elevated iron concentrations. However, further research is needed to understand the systemic impacts of enhanced ZmNAC78 expression and to ensure that iron density is preserved without introducing negative traits. Additionally, synergies with other interventions, such as supplementation and fortification, should be explored to optimize nutritional outcomes. Overall, this research represents a major step towards addressing iron deficiency and improving nutrition and health in sub-Saharan Africa. [Extracted from the article]

This document discusses the importance of iron for plant growth and development. It explains that while iron is abundant in the environment, its availability in soils is limited due to low solubility. Plants have evolved mechanisms to mobilize and take up iron, including two basic strategies: Strategy I, which involves reduction and uptake of ferrous ions, and Strategy II, which involves the synthesis and release of iron-chelating compounds. The document also explores the transport and assimilation of iron within plants, as well as the role of bacteria and fungi in aiding iron acquisition. Additionally, it highlights the significance of iron biofortification in addressing iron deficiency in humans. The document concludes by mentioning that further research is needed to fully understand the regulation and signaling of iron homeostasis. [Extracted from the 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.

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.

Over two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortifying vegetables can enhance micronutrient intake through the diet. This study assessed the biofortification of indoor-grown baby-leaf lettuce using aeroponics. Four experiments, two each, were conducted by adding different concentrations of Zn (from 10 to 450 µM) or Cu (from 3 to 250 µM) into a nutrient solution. A fifth experiment was conducted by simultaneously adding to the nutrient solution the optimal concentration of I (5 µM) and Se (13 µM), chosen on the basis of previous works, and the optimal concentration of Zn (250 µM) and Cu (150 µM), chosen on the basis of the results obtained in the first four experiments. Leaf biomass, mineral concentrations, chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, nitrates, and antioxidant capacity were measured 21 days after transplanting. Higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, I, or Se in the nutrient solution led to an increase in their concentrations in lettuce leaves, without affecting the growth or leaf quality of lettuce plants. The simultaneous application of I with the other elements induced a higher accumulation in leaves compared to when I is applied alone. One hundred grams of lettuce leaves biofortified with Se, I, Cu, and Zn would provide the 6.1%, 35.3%, and 263.0% of Adequate Intake for Cu, Se, and I, respectively, and 4.5% of Population Reference Intake for Zn. Our results suggest that simultaneously biofortifying baby-leaf lettuce with these four minerals is a practical and convenient way to integrate these micronutrients into the diet without reducing the yield or quality of lettuce.

The low solubility and enhanced fixation of zinc (Zn) in semi-arid and dry climates limits Zn uptake in plants. Zn deficiency in soil impairs crop production and human health, necessitating agricultural biofortification. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Zn and various types of manure on the Zn biofortification of lentils. The treatments, consisting of a control (Con), normal manure (NM), composted manure (CM), and acidified manure (AM), were applied under saline soil (EC 8.00 dS m−1) and non-saline soil (EC 1.48 dS m−1) conditions along with two levels of Zn, including Zn at 0 kg ha−1 (native soil Zn = 2.2 mg kg−1) and Zn at 25 kg ha−1 (62.2 mg Zn kg−1 soil was achieved). The AM was prepared by adding sulfur and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria to the composted manure. All the manures were applied at 1% (w/w), and ZnSO4 (33% Zn) was used as a Zn source. Lentil variety Masoor 2021 was cultivated as a test crop in five replications of each treatment arranged in a completely randomized design. Applying AM with Zn considerably increased the lentils’ growth, yield, and Zn content under saline and non-saline conditions. Under non-saline soils, the treatment of AM + Zn significantly promoted the Zn content in the root (132.5%), shoot (91.7%), grain (49.1%), root length (79.7%), plant height (33.7%), and SPAD value (29.9%). Under saline conditions, application of AM + Zn promoted uptake of Zn in the root (218.5%), Zn content in the shoot (175.7%), Zn accumulation in the grain (107.7%), root length (109.7%), plant height (37.8%), and SPAD value (52.8%) compared to the control. According to the results, lentils should be grown with AM and Zn to increase their growth, yield, and Zn content significantly. This is a cost-effective and sustainable way to combat Zn deficiency in lentils.

The traditional Chinese Baijiu brewing process utilizes natural inoculation and open fermentation. The microbial composition and abundance in the microecology of Baijiu brewing often exhibit unstable characteristics, which directly results in fluctuations in Baijiu quality. The microbiota plays a crucial role in determining the quality of Baijiu. Analyzing the driving effect of technology and raw materials on microorganisms. Elucidating the source of core microorganisms and interactions between microorganisms, and finally utilizing single or multiple microorganisms to regulate and intensify the Baijiu fermentation process is an important way to achieve high efficiency and stability in the production of Baijiu. This paper provides a systematic review of the composition and sources of microbiota at different brewing stages. It also analyzes the relationship between raw materials, brewing processes, and brewing microbiota, as well as the steps involved in the implementation of brewing microbiota regulation strategies. In addition, this paper considers the feasibility of using Baijiu flavor as a guide for Baijiu brewing regulation by synthesizing the microbiota, and the challenges involved. This paper is a guide for flavor regulation and quality assurance of Baijiu and also suggests new research directions for regulatory strategies for other fermented foods.