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Agricultural systems are under increasing pressure from declining environmental conditions, a growing population, and changes in consumer preferences, resulting in widespread malnutrition-related illnesses. Improving plant nutritional content through biotechnology techniques such as synthetic biology is a promising strategy to help combat hidden hunger caused by the lack of affordable and healthy foods in human diets. Production of compounds usually found in animal-rich diets, such as vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids, has been recently demonstrated in planta. Here, we review recent biotechnological approaches to biofortifying plants with vitamins, minerals, and other metabolites, and summarise synthetic biology advances that offer the opportunity to build on these early biofortification efforts.

Vitamin A deficiency remains prevalent on a global scale, including in regions where maize constitutes a high percentage of human diets. One solution for alleviating this deficiency has been to increase grain concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.)-an example of biofortification. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) developed a Carotenoid Association Mapping panel of 380 inbred lines adapted to tropical and subtropical environments that have varying grain concentrations of provitamin A and other health-beneficial carotenoids. Several major genes have been identified for these traits, 2 of which have particularly been leveraged in marker-assisted selection. This project assesses the predictive ability of several genomic prediction strategies for maize grain carotenoid traits within and between 4 environments in Mexico. Ridge Regression-Best Linear Unbiased Prediction, Elastic Net, and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces had high predictive abilities for all tested traits (β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, provitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and outperformed Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. Furthermore, predictive abilities were higher when using genome-wide markers rather than only the markers proximal to 2 or 13 genes. These findings suggest that genomic prediction models using genome-wide markers (and assuming equal variance of marker effects) are worthwhile for these traits even though key genes have already been identified, especially if breeding for additional grain carotenoid traits alongside β-carotene. Predictive ability was maintained for all traits except lutein in between-environment prediction. The TASSEL (Trait Analysis by aSSociation, Evolution, and Linkage) Genomic Selection plugin performed as well as other more computationally intensive methods for within-environment prediction. The findings observed herein indicate the utility of genomic prediction methods for these traits and could inform their resource-efficient implementation in biofortification breeding programs.

Through diverse roles, zinc determines a greater number of critical life functions than any other single micronutrient. Beyond the well-recognized importance of zinc for child growth and resistance to infections, zinc has numerous specific roles covering the regulation of glucose metabolism, and growing evidence links zinc deficiency with increased risk of diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. Zinc nutriture is, thus, vitally important to health across the life course. Zinc deficiency is also one of the most common forms of micronutrient malnutrition globally. A clearer estimate of the burden of health disparity attributable to zinc deficiency in adulthood and later life emerges when accounting for its contribution to global elevated fasting blood glucose and related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Yet progress attenuating its prevalence has been limited due, in part, to the lack of sensitive and specific methods to assess human zinc status. This narrative review covers recent developments in our understanding of zincs role in health, the impact of the changing climate and global context on zinc intake, novel functional biomarkers showing promise for monitoring population-level interventions, and solutions for improving population zinc intake. It aims to spur on implementation of evidence-based interventions for preventing and controlling zinc deficiency across the life course. Increasing zinc intake and combating global zinc deficiency requires context-specific strategies and a combination of complementary, evidence-based interventions, including supplementation, food fortification, and food and agricultural solutions such as biofortification, alongside efforts to improve zinc bioavailability. Enhancing dietary zinc content and bioavailability through zinc biofortification is an inclusive nutrition solution that can benefit the most vulnerable individuals and populations affected by inadequate diets to the greatest extent.

Agronomic bio-fortification remains a crucial focus area for enhancing wheat productivity and quality while alleviating environmental pressures. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), persist among the Indian population, especially affecting women. These deficiencies can be effectively addressed through agronomic bio-fortification of wheat grains. To tackle this issue, a comprehensive multilocation (4) field experiment was conducted, incorporating four high-yielding wheat cultivars (HD-3226, HI-1544, DBW-187, and PBW-1-Zn) alongside six foliar fertilizer applications (Control, 2% S, 2% N, 0.5% ZnSO4.7H2O, 1% KCl, and combined treatments) during 2021-22 and 2022-23 utilizing a split-plot design with three replications. Analysis over the years revealed that significant impacts of location and cultivar on yield and its attributes, and Fe, Zn, and protein content of grains. Warmer locations like Hisar exhibited higher yields primarily due to significantly increased earheads/m2 and grains number/m2 compared to other locations. Moreover, Fe content in wheat grains was notably higher in Gurdaspur followed by Hisar, surpassing Ludhiana. Notably, cultivar DBW-187 outperformed others with a 14.75% higher grain yield than the least yielding cultivar, HI-1544. PBW-1-Zn exhibited the highest grain Fe and Zn content among the cultivars studied. The interaction between cultivar and location significantly influenced all yield parameters and grain Fe content. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.5%) during stem elongation and milk stages resulted in significantly higher grain Zn content compared to applications of KCl (1.0%), N (2.0%), and S (2.0%) alone, with an increase of 9.9% over no spray. In conclusion, the selection of appropriate cultivars tailored to specific regions, coupled with strategic agronomic bio-fortification approaches, is imperative for enhancing wheat productivity and grain quality, thereby ensuring nutritional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A burgeoning population, food shortage, less affordability of essential nutrients, and pandemic are the foremost global challenges for lower-to middle-income nations. Lack of proper availability of crucial nutrients leads to hidden hunger, which has become a serious threat under the current scenario and difficult situation for global policymakers, nutritionists, and public health scientists. Minerals (iron, zinc, iodine, and Selenium) and Vitamin A malnutrition are major food-related primary health problems among populations of both developed and developing countries. Vegetables offer an economical and sustainable opportunity to provide micronutrients. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds and thus play a key role in diversifying diets and securing nutritional security. Usually, the availability of most micronutrients in the edible parts of the plants is lower than required. Therefore, scaling up the nutritional profile of vegetable crops through biofortification can enhance their nourishment power. Biofortification can be achieved through mineral fertilization, breeding, and biotechnological approaches. Several crops have been fortified through the soil and foliar application of fertilizers, thus providing benefits for a limited period. Therefore, breeding for nutrient-rich cultivars using conventional or biotechnological techniques seems to be the most effective strategy to reduce malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the responses of two wheat varieties, Alvand (Zn-inefficient) and Pishtaz (Zn-efficient), to various zinc (Zn) fertilization methods to determine optimal strategies for enhancing wheat growth and grain quality. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of various Zn fertilization strategies, including foliar applications of Zn sulfate and Zn-EDTA with and without urea, as well as synthetic Zn amino acid complexes, along with soil applications of Zn sulfate, on the yield and nutritional quality of grains in these two contrasting wheat varieties. The results revealed that wheat varieties responded differently to Zn treatments. While Alvand showed a promising trend of elevated grain yield with foliar zinc sulfate application, Pishtaz exhibited a stronger response to foliar treatments like Zn-Met and Zn-EDTA + urea. Yield components as 1000-grain weight and spike weight, were significantly influenced by Zn fertilization. Foliar application of zinc sulfate + urea enhanced 1000-grain weight in Alvand, whereas Zn-EDTA + urea substantially increased spike weight in Pishtaz. Soil application of zinc sulfate was found to be as an effective method to enhance grain Zn content. Furthermore, the Zn concentrations in flour, straw, bran, and roots elucidated the complex patterns of Zn distribution among various plant tissues. Soil applications were particularly effective in increasing Zn levels in flour and bran, while foliar treatments influenced Zn content in straw and roots. Overall, this research highlights the importance of Zn fertilization strategies for different wheat varieties biofortification. These findings can provide practical implications for sustainable wheat production, addressing Zn deficiency challenges, and advancing food security worldwide. Further exploration into the underlying mechanisms of these responses is encouraged to refine Zn management practices for wheat cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of genetic biodiversity for micronutrients is crucial for breeding high-quality crops and addressing the negative impacts of mineral deficiencies. The objectives of this research were to assess genetic variation and the relationship between grain Fe and Zn levels and agronomic traits in a diverse collection of wheat varieties. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the correlation between microsatellite markers (SSR) and micronutrient quantities. A total of 42 genotypes (Iranian commercial cultivars, landraces, and Afghan and Swiss varieties) were evaluated over a two-year period. Fe and Zn levels were measured using two semi quantitative staining assays and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) facility. Semi-quantitative staining methods and AAS showed high correlations for micronutrient contents. Landraces exhibited higher Fe (63.79 mg/kg) and Zn (44.76 mg/kg) but lower grain yield compared with commercial cultivars. Heritability estimates ranged 53%-79.43%, suggesting that genetic variance played a higher contribution in the phenotypic variation of traits than environmental factors. Notably, Fe content displayed significant correlations with days to maturity. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed that Zn content was correlated with four agronomic traits. Evaluation of genetic diversity using SSR markers demonstrated high genetic variation among the genotypes tested. The analysis of polymorphism information content (PIC) indicated that SSR primers had an average PIC of 0.75, with the Xgwm192 primer exhibiting higher PIC than others. Several SSR markers revealed association with micronutrient content that can be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs aimed at selection of high micronutrient genotypes. In conclusion, the findings underscored the substantial genetic diversity present in micronutrient levels among global wheat genotypes, the potential of landraces for micronutrients biofortification of wheat cultivars through cross hybridization, the utility of staining methods for screening high/low micronutrient genotypes, and use of microsatellite markers for marker-assisted breeding aiming to micronutrient improvement in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) is a nutrient-rich, cool-season food legume that is high in protein, prebiotic carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is a staple food in many parts of the world, but crop performance is threatened by climate change, where increased temperatures and less predictable precipitation can reduce yield and nutritional quality. One mechanism that many plant species use to mitigate heat and drought stress is the production of disaccharides, oligosaccharides and sugar alcohols, collectively referred to as low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWCs). Recent evidence indicates that lentil may also employ this mechanism – especially raffinose family oligosaccharides and sugar alcohols – and that these may be suitable targets for genomic-assisted breeding to improve crop tolerance to heat and drought stress. While the genes responsible for LMWC biosynthesis in lentil have not been fully elucidated, single nucleotide polymorphisms and putative genes underlying biosynthesis of LMWCs have been identified. Yet, more work is needed to confirm gene identity, function, and response to abiotic stress. This review i) summarizes the diverse evidence for how LMWCs are utilized to improve abiotic stress tolerance, ii) highlights current knowledge of genes that control LMWC biosynthesis in lentil, and iii) explores how LMWCs can be targeted using diverse genomic resources and markers to accelerate lentil breeding efforts for improved stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) deficiency in calcareous soils is a significant agricultural challenge, affecting crop productivity and nutritional quality. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate Fe solubilizing rhizobacterial isolates from maize rhizosphere in calcareous soils as potential biofertilizers. Forty bacterial isolates coded as SG1, SG2, ..., SG40 were isolated and screened for siderophore production, with ten showing significant Fe solubilizing capabilities. These isolates were further assessed for phosphate solubilization and exopolysaccharides production. The selected bacterial isolates were also screened under axenic conditions for their ability to improve maize growth. The isolates SG8, SG13, SG24, SG30 and SG33 significantly enhanced growth parameters of maize. Notably, SG30 showed highest increment in shoot length (58%), root length (54%), root fresh and dry biomass (67% and 76%), SPAD value (67%), relative water contents (69%), root surface area (61%), and Fe concentration in shoots (79%) as compared to control. The biochemical characterization of these strains showed that all these strains have capability to solubilize insoluble phosphorus, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ammonia with catalase, urease and protease activity. Molecular identification through 16s rRNA gene sequencing confirmed high similarity (99.7–100%) of the selected isolates to various Bacillus species, including B. pyramidoids, B. firmicutes, and B. cereus. The study provides a strong base for developing eco-friendly, cost-effective biofertilizers to address Fe deficiency in crops and promote sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron and phosphorus deficiencies in alkaline soils threaten wheat by limiting nutrient availability due to their antagonistic relationship. This study tested if combining microbial incubation with foliar iron could synergistically improve wheat productivity and nutrition and mitigate deficiencies. A field experiment using a split plot design tested different iron and phosphate fertilization techniques. The main plots consisted of three iron application methods: foliar-applied iron (FL) at 2.5 kg ha−1, soil-applied iron (FS) at 5 kg ha−1, and no iron (F0). The subplots comprised four phosphate fertilizers: PSB + TSP (inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria + 100 kg ha−1 of triple superphosphate fertilizer), AMF + TSP (inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi + triple superphosphate), TSP alone, and no phosphorus (P0). Foliar iron application with AMF + TSP increased seed potassium and root length density by 16.3-17.9% and 22.1-25.8% more than PSB + TSP, respectively. Under FS conditions, AMF + TSP exhibited 28.5-29.1% lower magnesium and 23.9-28.4% higher zinc seed concentrations compared to PSB + TSP, as well as higher levels of soluble proteins and lower concentrations of chlorophyll. There was no difference in grain yield between PSB + TSP and AMF + TSP for any of the iron treatments. Combining AMF + TSP and foliar iron application resulted in the highest grain yield, desirable seed nutrient content (particularly zinc, iron (>100 mg kg−1), and magnesium (>18 mg kg−1), improved root biomass, chlorophyll, and soluble proteins compared to PSB + TSP and TSP alone. This combination of microbial inoculation with foliar iron application is an effective strategy for mitigating the antagonism between iron and phosphorus and improving both crop productivity and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium in its organic form (such as selenoproteins) is involved in human metabolism, acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammatory biomarkers associated with overweight and obesity. Nevertheless, their functionality depends on the selenium intake and individuals' physiological status. The adequate intake of this nutrient has been revised for health experts, and slight adjustments to the Daily Intake Reference Values occurred to avoid toxicity or deficiency and to exert beneficial effects in specific biomarkers such as glutathione peroxidase activity and SELENOP concentration. However, there is a gap in understanding the metabolic effects of selenocompounds in subjects or experimental models with obesity, but promising results have been documented to be included as a coadjutant in this disease treatment. In this sense, many strategies have been developed worldwide to produce Se-enriched foods and supplements containing selenocompounds to increase the accessibility for consumers. In this review, the effects of Se and selenocompounds on the central overweight and obesity biomarkers in different experimental models are addressed. Likewise, the most recent strategies for selenium enrichment in agricultural products and the main trends in selenium-enriched foods and supplements on the global market are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iodine is one of the essential trace elements for human life. The main objective of the biofortification of plants with iodine is to obtain food with a higher content of this element compared to conventional food. Biofortification of plants with iodine can increase the intake of this trace element by different populations. In addition, it may reduce the risk of iodine deficiency diseases. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of kale biofortified with 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) on iodine bioavailability and biochemical effects in Wistar rats. Methods: Kale biofortified with (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) was tested for iodine levels in urine, feces, and selected tissues using the ICP-MS/MS technique. The feeding experiment was designed to investigate potential changes in selected thyroid-regulated biochemical parameters in blood serum of Wistar rats. Results: The dietary intake of Wistar rats fed kale biofortified with (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) from both the "Oldenbor F1" and "Redbor F1" cultivars for 8 weeks resulted in significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher iodine concentrations in the urine and kidneys of rats, which proves iodine bioavailability. Rats' diets with "Oldenbor F1" and "Redbor F1" kale non- and -biofortified with 8-OH-7-I-5QSA had a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower or a tendency for lower concentration of TSH, triglyceride, total and direct bilirubin, TBARs, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations in serum. Dietary intake of "Oldenbor F1" and "Redbor F1" kale biofortified with 8-OH-7-I-5QSA significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the total antioxidant status (TAS). Conclusions: Our study confirms that kale biofortified with iodine in organic form iodoquinoline 8-OH-7-I-5QSA is bioavailable and well absorbed by the Wistar rat and has a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters. The results obtained in this study may be highly predictive for further studies in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of nanotechnology in agriculture has emerged as a tool of great sustainable use for crop improvement. Pregerminative treatments with various chemicals and hormones are routine procedures to break the seeds' dormancy and stimulate crop germination. However, innovative techniques using nanoparticles (NPs) for seed priming are considered a potentially effective and efficient strategy to promote seed germination, nutrient delivery, and growth through impregnation. The present work aimed to synthesize iron oxide NPs (FeONPs) by a green method by using vegetal organic waste as a source of reducing and stabilizer agents for NPs formation, and then it was used to promote seed germination, growth, and biofortification of Solanum lycopersicum. The results indicate the effectiveness of orange peel waste for the one-step green synthesis of magnetite Fe3O4 NPs with an apparent spherical form and an average size of 13 nm determined with SEM analysis. The application of NPs as a nano priming (0.1–300 ppm) did not show significant changes in the germination development of tomatoes. However, positive effects on the growth of seedlings were observed with medium doses administered (10–50 ppm) because root length, stem length, and biomass were increased. In addition, an increase in the Fe and other micronutrients of both grain and seedlings was also observed, suggesting that nano priming with Fe3O4 NPs can stimulate the growth and Fe uptake of S. lycopersicum crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of high carotenoid germplasm is crucial to assist breeders in provitamin-A biofortification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench). High-performance liquid chromatography is the gold standard for carotenoid quantification, however, it is not feasible for large scale phenotyping due to its high cost and low throughput. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using grain color as a high-throughput method of carotenoid biofortification breeding. We hypothesized that visual, color-based selection can be an effective strategy to identify high-carotenoid accessions. Yellow grain had significantly higher carotenoid content than red, brown, and white grain. The degree of yellowness could distinguish the presence or absence of carotenoids, but could not distinguish carotenoid concentrations within yellow-only accessions. The degree of luminosity of the grain, however, was able to better predict carotenoid concentrations within yellow-only accessions. Genome-wide association studies identified significant marker-trait associations for qualitative and quantitative grain color traits and carotenoid concentrations near carotenoid pathway genes—ZEP, PDS, CYP97A, NCED, CCD, and LycE—three of which were common between grain color and carotenoid traits. These findings suggest that using grain color as a method for screening germplasm may be an effective high-throughput selection tool for prebreeding and early-stage breeding in carotenoid biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTrace elements are essential for human growth, development, and vital plant physiological and metabolic processes. Micronutrients play a crucial role in both human and plant biological systems. Iron and zinc deficiencies remain some of the most prevalent and serious public health issues impacting vulnerable populations worldwide. Pulses, which constitute a cornerstone of plant-based protein intake and are predominantly grown in South Asia and Africa, can be further enriched with essential nutrients using diverse biofortification techniques. These techniques encompass (i) agronomic strategies, (ii) conventional breeding methodologies, and (iii) genetic engineering techniques. Future breeding and biotechnological approaches aim to enhance bioavailability and diminish antinutrient elements by intervening in pathways or creating low phytate mutant lines. Over the past few years, numerous biofortified food crops have been released, including pulses such as common beans and lentils introduced by HarvestPlus in developing countries. This review discusses various methods utilized in biofortification concerning mineral uptake and transport in pulses. It also addresses future challenges associated with biofortifying pulse crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDietary deficiencies of micronutrients are a fast expanding public health issue that is estimated to have a significant influence on the global population. Due to the detrimental effects on human health, iron (Fe)- and zinc (Zn)-deficits in food systems are among the most common micronutrient deficiencies. The people, whose diets are primarily plant-based may suffer from Fe/Zn-deficiency because of reduced accumulation of those elements in edible crop produce. The tendency to accumulate these two nutrients is higher in roots and leaves than in other plant parts like fruits, seeds, or grains. Therefore, compared to main cereal food crops, leafy vegetables, and root crops are suggested as superior targets to boost dietary Fe and Zn intake. Furthermore, one of the main components of a plant-based diet for a healthy lifestyle is vegetables, which offer the necessary quantities of dietary fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and other important minerals. Agronomic biofortification is regarded as a sustainable agronomic intervention that enhances the bioavailability of vital nutrients in the crop edible portions without sacrificing yield amount. The strategy is the most practical and affordable to implement in a variety of already cultivated crops/cultivars to alleviate hidden hunger through delivering micronutrient-dense food crops. In light of this, the review examines the advancements concerning the understanding of agronomic biofortification techniques for vegetables to attain Fe and Zn nutritional security in food systems and proposes future directions for agronomic biofortifcation interventions to address Fe- and Zn-deficiencies which are predicted to worsen as the world’s population grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThere is need to enhance the nutritional quality of lentil for ameliorating nutrient deficiencies in people especially vegetarians. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of soil application of zinc (Zn) and foliar application of Zn and nitrogen [(N) through urea] on grain yield and enrichment of grain with Zn in lentil. The field experiments were conducted at two locations Ludhiana and Faridkot, India. The experiment was consisted of eleven treatments (control, soil application of 25 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 at sowing time, foliar spray of sole 0.5% ZnSO4 or 2% urea and combined foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 2% urea at flowering, pod formation, and flowering + pod formation stages). The foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 2% urea spray at flowering + pod formation stages significantly improved the grain yield, Zn and iron (Fe) concentration at maturity in stover and grain (whole as well as split) of lentil and protein content in stover and grain. The combined application of ZnSO4 (0.5%) + urea (2%) at flowering + pod formation stages can be done to improve not only the grain yield (on an average 29.5%) but also the Zn (49.7%) and Fe (17.4%) concentration in lentil grain, which, can help in ameliorating malnutrition in human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic biofortification with iron (Fe) in tomatoes has emerged as a promising strategy to combat global iron deficiency. Iron is essential for human health and plays a critical role in the growth and development of crops. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of Fe for tomato biofortification and assess its impact on its growth, yield and quality attributes, particularly the fruit’s Fe content. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using tomato hybrids Sandal and Sahel, applying Fe foliar treatments at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 6 and 9 mM Fe per plant. The results demonstrated that foliar application of 6 mM Fe significantly enhanced the tomato’s growth, yield and quality, while markedly increasing the fruit’s Fe content to 30.07 and 34.1 mg kg−1 in Sandal and Sahel hybrids, respectively. These values were substantially higher than those of the control treatment with Fe contents of 14.77 and 15.0 mg kg−1, respectively. However, higher doses of Fe (> 6 mM Fe per plant) showed adverse effects on growth, yield, and quality. Foliar application of iron proved an effective and economical solution, readily integrated into commercial tomato production, offering farmers a practical method to produce Fe-biofortified tomatoes and combat iron deficiency-linked malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of spent coffee grounds (SCG) into hydrochars has been the subject of extensive research in recent years, aimed at evaluating their potential for biofortifying foods and mitigating the plant toxicity linked to SCG. This study aimed to assess the physicochemical characterization and the impact of incorporating both activated (ASCG and AH160) and functionalized SCG (ASCG-Zn), as well as SCG-derived hydrochars (AH160-Zn), on cucumber yield and plant zinc content. The following physicochemical properties were analyzed: specific surface area, pH and electrical conductivity, polyphenols, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The by-products activated and functionalized with zinc were applied to cucumber crops grown in a greenhouse across multiple harvests. The activation of both SCG and H160 reduced the specific surface area of the particles. However, when these by-products were functionalized, their Zn content increased significantly, up to 7400 ppm. Concerning polyphenol content, the activated products showed levels ranging from 3.5 to 4.9 mg GAE/g. Regarding cumulative production, the treatments that showed the highest yields were the by-products activated and functionalized with Zn reaching 25 kg. Incorporating these by-products notably raised the Zn content in cucumbers, reaching 0.1 mg Zn per 100 g of fresh weight. The activated by-products demonstrated the highest Zn utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and are widely used for medical purposes and in nutrition. Numerous bioactive metabolites are responsible for these activities. Their distribution and biological effects differ depending on the fungal species and their chemical composition. Biofortification is a sustainable process that aims to improve the nutritional profile of food crops, as most of them are low in key nutrients. This review aims to delve into the process of fungal biofortification and review the most commonly used elements and species. Through biofortification, it is possible to combat hidden hunger, which affects as many as 2 billion people worldwide. "Hidden hunger" is a phenomenon in which the organism lacks the minerals and vitamins needed for development, growth, and good overall health. Mushrooms are increasingly being considered for biofortification due to their ability to accumulate various elements (both micro- and macroelements). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Results Conclusion During the processing of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) several residues are obtained, which are mostly disposed of in landfills. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive waste management strategy for these residues. This study evaluates the potential of SCGs as a biofertilizer by assessing their effects on lettuce leaves and the release of antioxidants following in vitro digestion and fermentation.Lettuce plants were grown with different amounts of SCGs (0–150 g kg−1) in the substrate. High SCG concentrations in the soil generated lighter colored tissues, a decrease in the green color, less root development, and lower dry weight of leaves (P < 0.05). The SCG levels also affected the release of antioxidants by the final product. This effect was more pronounced in the digested fraction: applying the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method, the addition of SCGs from 10 g kg−1 to 125 g kg−1 increased the amount of antioxidant from 43.88 ± 4.81 to 105.96 ± 29.09 μmol Trolox g−1 of dry weight (P < 0.05). The Indigo Carmine Reducing Capacity (ICRED) method also showed a similar trend, but in this case the highest value was obtained with 150 g kg−1 of SCGs (16.41 ± 3.93 mmol catechin g−1 of dry weight) (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the fermented fraction a significant increase in the antioxidant released was found with low levels of SCG(P<0.05), while lettuces fertilized with intermediate amounts of SCGs (25 and 50 g kg−1) presented the highest amount of insoluble antioxidant (P < 0.05).A compromise should be found in order to achieve a product with a high antioxidant capacity and an acceptable visual quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Rice grains typically contain relatively high levels of toxic arsenic (As) but low levels of essential micronutrients. Biofortification of essential micronutrients while decreasing As accumulation in rice would benefit human nutrition and health. We generated transgenic rice expressing a gain‐of‐function mutant allele astol1 driven by the OsGPX1 promoter. astol1 encodes a plastid‐localized O‐acetylserine (thiol) lyase (OAS‐TL) with Ser189Asn substitution (OsASTOL1S189N), which enhances cysteine biosynthesis by forming an indissociable cysteine synthase complex with its partner serine acetyltransferase (SAT). The effects on growth, As tolerance, and nutrient and As accumulation in rice grain were evaluated in hydroponic, pot and field experiments. The expression of OsASTOL1S189N in pOsGPX1::astol1 transgenic lines enhanced SAT activity, sulphate uptake, biosynthesis of cysteine, glutathione, phytochelatins and nicotianamine, and enhanced tolerance to As. The expression of OsASTOL1S189N decreased As accumulation while increased the accumulation of multiple macronutrients (especially sulphur, nitrogen and potassium) and micronutrients (especially zinc and selenium) in rice grain in a pot experiment and two field experiments, and had little effect on plant growth and grain yield. Our study provides a new strategy to genetically engineer rice to biofortify multiple essential nutrients, reducing As accumulation in rice grain and enhancing As tolerance simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unknown whether soil microbiota and soil bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of selenium hyperaccumulator plants can affect selenium absorption by selenium non-hyperaccumulator plants. Here, we used pot experiments and split root experiments to investigate the role of soil microbiota and isolated rhizosphere bacteria from a selenium hyperaccumulator plant (Cardamine violifolia) in affecting selenium absorption by a selenium non-hyperaccumulator plant (Brassica napus), combining root metabolism analysis, microbiome profiling, strain isolation and its selenium absorption functional validation. We found that soil microbiota of Cardamine violifolia significantly increased the root selenium content by 31.8% and regulated root exudation by Brassica napus. Additionally, the application of upregulated long-chain organic acids + amino acids, long-chain organic acids + short-chain organic acids, ethanolamine, and 2-ketobutyric acid increased the selenium contents in the roots of Brassica napus by 69.6%, 38.4%, 81.2%, and 48.8%, respectively. Further investigation revealed that dominant bacteria were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere of C. violifolia compared to B. napus. After that, we isolated the rhizosphere bacteria of Cardamine violifolia and observed that Bacillus sp.-2, Chryseobacterium sp., and Pseudomonas sp., as well as their combined communities, significantly improved selenium absorption in Brassica napus. Moreover, the combined bacterial communities significantly regulated specific-root metabolism, enhanced rhizosphere soil available selenium content, promoted root development, increased expression levels of genes encoding selenium transporter in root. These findings provide insights into utilizing rhizosphere bacteria of selenium hyperaccumulator plants to increase selenium absorption by non-hyperaccumulator plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Zinc deficiency is a significant global health concern, affecting around two billion people due to insufficient dietary intake. The extensive utilization of cereal-based meals with inadequate zinc content and limited bioavailability stands as the primary cause for this issue. Children who possess low levels of zinc experience stunted growth and developmental delays. They also have higher rates of morbidity from pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malaria. Inadequate zinc intake has been correlated with a heightened risk of mortality in children due to specific diseases. It is crucial to secure a satisfactory level of zinc in rice grains because of its indispensable function in various biochemical processes that are fundamental for the growth and advancement of plants. A deficiency in zinc can lead to reduced grain yield and nutritional value in rice. Recently, the utilization of registered biofertilizers and microbial technology is widely recognized in contemporary intensive farming practices. Some indigenous zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains discovered can increase rice yield and zinc content in grains. The objective of this study was to impact of a biofertilizer formula consisting of native zinc solubilizer strains on the growth, productivity, and zinc concentration in the grains of three rice varieties, namely Inpari IR Nutrizinc, Inpari 48, and Inpago 13 Fortiz. The study was conducted in a paddy field located in the Inceptisol of Subang Regency, West Java, during the year 2023. METHODS: The field trial was conducted to study the impact of a biofertilizer comprising a group of non-pathogenic zinc-solubilizing bacteria, including Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Enterobacter bugandensis on rice growth, yield, zinc levels, and uptake in grains. The rhizosphere soils were the origin of these bacteria, which were obtained using agar media containing zinc oxide as insoluble zinc compounds. Prior to this, the bacterial strains were evaluated for their capacity to dissolve zinc and generate the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid. To gauge their zinc-solubilizing prowess, Pikovskaya agar media, supplemented with insoluble zinc oxide and calcium phosphate, respectively, were utilized. The presence of distinct clear areas surrounding the colonies demonstrated the effectiveness of the microbes in converting insoluble zinc and phosphorus into soluble forms. The concentration of the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid was measured using the Salkowski reagent. The field trial was organized using a split-plot design with three replications. The application of the biofertilizer mixture as a seed treatment was carried out before the transplantation of the rice nursery. The seedlings were prepared individually for each rice variety, with a comparison made between those treated with the biofertilizer and those that were not. FINDINGS: The study found that the consortium of indigenous non-pathogenic zinc-solubilizing bacteria significantly increased the yield of rice varieties by about 5.6 percent and zinc content in grains by 16.3 percent. However, the application of zinc containing fertilizer treatments did not enhance the rice yield and zinc content in grains in this Inceptisol paddy soil. In terms of zinc content in grains, the rice variety Inpago 13 Fortiz exhibited a notable increase compared to the Inpari IR Nutrizinc variety, with levels of 40.3 milligrams per kilogram as opposed to 34.1 milligrams per kilogram. CONCLUSION: the utilization of a native combination of carefully chosen zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains could augment the productivity, zinc concentration, and absorption in rice grains of various varieties in a paddy field with Inceptisols soil type, characterized by a moderate to high overall zinc content and limited zinc accessibility. The addition of zinc containing fertilizer treatments did not enhance rice yield compared to the addition of other tratments or control. This is probably because of the medium-high level of the total zinc content of the soil, suggesting that the addition of Biofertizinc will reduce or delete the crop requirement for zinc fertilizer in Inceptisol paddy fields. This implies that the biofertilizer is ecologically sustainable as it eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and lowers costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the variation in grain yield and Zn concentration in rice after foliar application of Zn and the impact on its phytate : Zn molar ratio among 21 rice varieties. Rice varieties were grown under field conditions using a randomized complete block design with four replications over two cropping years in 2020 and 2021 during the rainy season. Foliar Zn application varied grain yield from −26.0 to 13.6% in 2020 and −14.7 to 30.4% in 2021 compared with non-foliar Zn. Grain Zn was varied from 0.5 to 31.1% in 2020 and from −5.9 to 47.8% in 2021 in unpolished rice and from 9.4 to 47.0% in 2020 and from 8.2 to 163.0% in 2021 in polished rice. The phytate : Zn molar ratio was decreased when foliar Zn was applied to the unpolished and polished rice, with a lower ratio in the polished rice. The phytate : Zn molar ratio decreased exponentially with increasing grain Zn concentration in the unpolished rice, while decreasing linearly with increasing grain Zn concentration in the polished rice. The results of this study suggest that foliar Zn application is a promising way to improve the grain Zn concentration and decrease the phytate : Zn molar ratio, thus being beneficial for human diets, but the effects of rice variety, cropping season, and the polishing process should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the critical roles of zinc and molybdenum in improving pulse crop productivity and sustainability within India's agricultural landscape. Pulses are essential to Indian diets, providing a primary protein source, yet yields are limited due to soil micronutrient deficiencies, especially in zinc and molybdenum. Zinc is crucial for enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and hormone regulation, supporting plant growth and resilience. Molybdenum, necessary for nitrogen fixation, enhances pulse productivity by aiding in the formation of nitrogenase, a key enzyme in nitrogen metabolism. Deficiencies in these nutrients lead to stunted growth, reduced yields, and poor crop quality. This review highlights research on the impacts of zinc and molybdenum applications, including soil, foliar and seed treatment methods, showing yield improvements of up to 20% in zinc applications and 15% with molybdenum. Sustainable practices, including integrated nutrient management and biofortification, are proposed as strategies to enhance soil health and crop resilience, while also providing environmental and economic benefits. These findings emphasize the importance of zinc and molybdenum management in achieving sustainable pulse production in India, addressing both food security and agricultural sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It is difficult for ordinary rice to break the zinc-rich standard. However, employing multiple unique rice cultivar resources through biofortification of agronomic measures to achieve the target is a promising attempt. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted on seven different colored rice cultivars (GFHN 166, GFHN 168, GFHN 169, GH 1, GXHZ, GHSZ, and YXN), aiming to analyze the effect on zinc content, growth, quality, and health risk index when spraying zinc (400 g/ha) on the leaves at the heading age. The result indicated that after foliar biofortification treatment, the zinc content and the zinc accumulation of colored rice grains could reach up to 41.55 mg/kg and 2.28 mg/pot, respectively, increased by 43.92% and 65.22%. In addition, the SPAD value and grain protein content was 42.85 and 8.49%, also increased significantly by 2.15% and 2.91%, respectively. Among these, GXHZ and GHSZ could realize the zinc content of polished rice up to 69.7 mg/kg and 55.4 mg/kg, breaking through the standard of zinc-enrich rice (45 mg/kg). GXHZ plant height increased by 11.22%, and the zinc harvest index (6.44%) and zinc use efficiency (26.79%) were the highest. Meanwhile, the biofortification promoted the SPAD value of GHSZ and the protein content of GFHN 166 by 4.95% and 24.81%, respectively. Foliar-applied zinc at the heading stage is a vital practice to get better agronomic indicators, quality, and grain zinc biofortification of colored rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential trace elements for humans. Plants are the main source of Se for humans, while soil Se is the primary source of Se for plants. Biofortification, which involves the transfer of Se from soil to plants and animals, is currently recognized as the safest and most effective approach for Se supplementation for humans. However, Se in soil primarily exists in forms that plants cannot easily utilize, so enhancing Se transfer from soil to plants is crucial for optimal Se utilization. In this paper, we provided a comprehensive analysis of Se forms in soil. Then we summarized the strategies for enhancing Se transfer from soil to plants. These strategies include adjusting redox potential, managing soil moisture, modulating pH value, improving organic matter, optimizing ion competition, promoting beneficial microbes, and considering the synergy between plant rhizosphere and soil. Furthermore, we reviewed Se forms and metabolism after uptake into plants to better understand its role in human health. Finally, we came up with the challenges and perspectives, to provide new insights for further study in this area. This work also offers potential solutions for enhancing Se transformation from soil to plants and utilizing soil Se to produce naturally Se-rich products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron (Fe) deficiency affects 30–50% of the world's population. Genetic biofortification of staple crops is a promising strategy for improving human nutrition, but the number of effective precision breeding targets for Fe biofortification is small. Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are cis-regulatory elements within the 5' leader sequence (LS) of genes that generally repress translation of the main open reading frame (mORF). Results: We aligned publicly available rice (Oryza sativa L.) ribo-seq datasets and transcriptomes to identify putative uORFs within important Fe homeostasis genes. A dual luciferase assay (DLA) was used to determine whether these uORFs cause repression of mORF translation and pinpoint LS regions that can be mutated for mORF derepression. A translationally repressive uORF region was identified in two positive regulators of the Fe-deficiency response: IDEF1 and IDEF2. The IDEF2-uORF peptide was highly conserved among monocots and a mutation series in the 5' LS of the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) TaIDEF2-A1 gene demonstrated variable mORF derepression. Conclusions: Together these results reveal a possible regulatory mechanism by which IDEF2 transcription factors modulate the Fe deficiency response in monocots, and highlight novel precision breeding targets to improve crop nutrition and abiotic stress tolerance. Highlight: We searched for translationally repressive uORFs within Fe homeostasis genes to find precision breeding targets for improved crop nutrition and discovered uORFs in IDEF1 and IDEF2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca) is a vital nutrient essential for structural development and signal transmission in both plants and animals. In humans, inadequate calcium intake has been correlated with various diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer. In areas where plants serve as a main dietary source, calcium intake is significantly lower than the recommended adequate intake, notably in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Exploring the connections between calcium consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer has significant implications for public health, given that these two conditions are the primary contributors to global mortality. This study conducted a systematic review of existing literature to assess the evidence regarding calcium intake and its effect on blood pressure control, stroke prevention, and the controversial association with myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the preventive effect of calcium intake on tumor development, particularly in cancer prevention, was discussed. The study explores the potential of agronomic biofortification as a key strategy to enhance plant‐based dietary calcium density and improve human health. By advocating for the incorporation of calcium‐rich plants and plant‐derived products, alongside appropriate calcium supplementation, the study emphasizes the economic and practical benefits of plants as a calcium source. This approach is aligned with global dietary patterns and socioeconomic disparities. The review also highlights the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms through which agronomic biofortification can increase dietary calcium intake and reduce the risks of CVD and cancer associated with calcium deficiency. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between calcium intake and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Biofortification of green leafy vegetables with pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, such as β‐carotene, has remained challenging to date. Here, we combined two strategies to achieve this goal. One of them involves producing β‐carotene in the cytosol of leaf cells to avoid the negative impacts on photosynthesis derived from changing the balance of carotenoids and chlorophylls in chloroplasts. The second approach involves the conversion of chloroplasts into non‐photosynthetic, carotenoid‐overaccumulating chromoplasts in leaves agroinfiltrated or infected with constructs encoding the bacterial phytoene synthase crtB, leaving other non‐engineered leaves of the plant to sustain normal growth. A combination of these two strategies, referred to as strategy C (for cytosolic production) and strategy P (for plastid conversion mediated by crtB), resulted in a 5‐fold increase in the amount of β‐carotene in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Following several attempts to further improve β‐carotene leaf contents by metabolic engineering, hormone treatments and genetic screenings, it was found that promoting the proliferation of plastoglobules with increased light‐intensity treatments not only improved β‐carotene accumulation but it also resulted in a much higher bioaccessibility. The combination of strategies C and P together with a more intense light treatment increased the levels of accessible β‐carotene 30‐fold compared to controls. We further demonstrated that stimulating plastoglobule proliferation with strategy P, but also with a higher‐light treatment alone, also improved β‐carotene contents and bioaccessibility in edible lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomy biofortification is an important crop management strategy to enhance concentrations of micronutrients in edible portions. The availability of micronutrients for plant uptake is reduced by the high salinity, pH, and lime of soils. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate time and the best ratio of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) consumption during the wheat growth stages in a saline and calcareous soil. The experiment consisted of two factors with four levels; 0, 30, 60, and 120 kg Zn ha−1 as Zn0, Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3 respectively, and 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 kg Fe ha−1 as Fe0, Fe1, Fe2, and Fe3 respectively, in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that the interaction effects of Fe and Zn fertilizers application were significant on the wheat yield indices and concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat shoots and grain. The simultaneous application of 120 kg Zn ha−1 and 5 kg Fe ha−1 caused significant improvement (p < 0.05) in thousand kernel weight (9.1%) and subsequently grain yield (23.4%) compared to the control treatment. The Zn concentration in the wheat shoot during tillering (37.0–58.2 mg Zn kg−1) was higher than the other two growth stages (elongation (29.2–40.8 mg Zn kg−1) and booting (20.0–31.0 mg Zn kg−1)). While the highest Fe concentration in wheat shoots was observed at the stem elongation stage (98.5–268.8 mg Fe kg−1), then the booting stage (91.0–150.8 mg Fe kg−1) and finally the least absorption was at the tillering (80.0–120.0 mg Fe kg−1). Because of the high calcium carbonate, salinity and Zn- deficient soil of the experimental site, the Zn concentration in wheat grain was obtained in a range of 3 to 19 mg kg−1. The results clarified that the fertilizer application of 30 kg Zn ha−1 and 2.5 kg Fe ha−1 can be proportionally and simultaneously increased the concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat grain by 100%. Therefore, the soil application of 30 kg Zn and 2.5 kg Fe per hectare proposed for improvement in quantitative (619 kg ha−1 increase in wheat grain yield) and qualities (100% increase in grain Zn and Fe concentration and 8% increase in thousand kernel weight) indices of wheat yield in calcareous and saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in global food systems and can affect plant growth, crop quality, and human and livestock health. The mapping of soils and soil properties linked to micronutrient supply in food systems is now enabling us to better understand the linkages between soil health and function and its relationship with food quality and human health. Zinc (Zn) deficiencies in Indian soils are of particular concern in the context of crop yields and food quality. This current review aims to understand the data landscapes on soil Zn and related soil properties in India, with a particular focus on three states: Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, and Odisha. The scope of the review is to identify and describe data sets from national and state-wide programmes and research experiments in which soil Zn has been reported, which could be used to provide a framework for integrated surveys and would combine wider agriculture, food systems, nutrition, and public health sectors. The largest data set on soil Zn was collected under a soil health management (SHM) programme, during which the Indian government analysed more than 30 million soil samples for Zn concentration (mg/kg) from 2015 to 2019. This study showed that 39% of Indian soils are considered Zn deficient for crop production (i.e., based on a threshold of <0.6 mg/kg); soil Zn deficiency varied from 2% to 67% across different Indian states. From this survey, soil Zn deficiency was 29%, 67%, and 48% in UP, Bihar, and Odisha, respectively. Individual data points are available for re-use at the Government of India soil health card website (https://www.soilhealth.dac.gov.in/). In addition, the All India Coordinated Research Project on Micro and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants (AICRP-MSPE) programme under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) analysed >240,000 soil samples from 2012 to 2018 from 28 states of India and reported ~38% soil Zn deficiency in the Indian soils. There is no programme in India that currently maps micronutrients in soil and crops together using "GeoNutrition" approaches recently reported in two countries in Africa, Ethiopia, and Malawi. Future co-ordinated soil and crop micronutrient mapping in India can help us to understand better the movement of Zn (and other micronutrients) in food systems and to inform strategies to improve the Zn status in the soil, e.g., the use of Zn fertilisers for yield and agronomic biofortification, and in the edible tissues of crops, e.g., through genetic biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBiofortification (increasing the micronutrient content of food before harvest) has been successfully used to nutritionally improve staple foods in low- and middle-income countries. This approach could also help address micronutrient shortfalls in at-risk populations in high-income countries (HICs), however, the potential of biofortification interventions in this context is not well understood. The aim of this scoping review is to assess the nature and extent of available research evidence on biofortified foods in relation to human consumption in HICs. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, WoS, ProQuest, CINAHL, AGRIS and Epistemonikos. Forty-six peer-reviewed articles were included. Most research was conducted in the USA (n = 15) and Italy (n = 11), on cereal crops (n = 14) and vegetables (n = 11), and on selenium (n = 12) and provitamin A (n = 11). Seven research domains were identified in the literature: bioavailability (n = 17); nutrient stability (n = 11); opinions and attitudes (n = 9); functionality (n = 9); sensory properties (n = 2); safety (n = 1); and modeling (n = 1). Evidence from HICs in each domain is limited. There is a need for more research particularly in areas sensitive to the cultural and socio-economic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The leguminous chickpea is a good source of protein, but its yield potential is frequently constrained by biotic stresses, primarily Helicoverpa armigera, a major havoc for cultivation of the crop. To develop host plant resistance for minimizing the losses due to the pod borer, five kabuli parents with desired traits for pod borer tolerance were crossed in diallel mating design to produce 10 crosses which were analysed for traits related to pod borer and nutrition. Based on correlation studies, trichome density was found positively correlated with phenol content, but both the traits were negatively associated with number of damaged seeds. Therefore, the tolerant genotypes were identified on the basis of phenol content, trichome density, number of damaged seeds and field rating. Among parents ICC 12197 was found superior in terms of yield and borer tolerance features with an intermediate pest resistance susceptible rating in addition to higher Fe content. However, significant sca effects for higher phenol content and seed yield in ICC 11764 × ICC 14190 were recorded with reduced number of damaged seeds in addition to higher Fe and Zn content. It was observed that the specific combination involved good and poor combiners for each trait. The same cross also showed significant standard heterosis in desirable direction for phenol content, trichome density, number of damaged seeds and seed yield. Additionally, the ratio of σ2 GCA to σ2 SCA revealed nonadditive gene action in controlling the expression of phenol content, trichome density, number of damaged seeds and Fe and Zn content. Thus, breeder may focus efforts on desirable cross utilizing selection in further segregating generations for higher phenol content, trichome density and Fe and Zn content in addition to yield‐related traits while lesser number of damaged seeds per plant to concentrate for development of pod borer resilient high yielding kabuli genotypes to combat micronutrient deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-priming is an emerging application of nanotechnology in agriculture intending to increase crop yield and nutritional quality while reducing fertilizer applications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with citrate-coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) suspensions (10, 20, and 40 mg NPs L−1) on the life cycle of the Phaseolus vulgaris L. OTI cultivar and evaluate the technology costs. The effect of nano-priming was assessed in the germination, flowering, and harvest stages. Unprimed and hydro-primed seeds were negative and positive controls, respectively. Nano-priming with CoFe2O4 NPs had no effect neither on the germination nor on plant nutrition (in the flowering stage) of OTI beans compared to unprimed and hydro-primed seeds. In contrast, nitrogenase activity (343.3 ± 1.1 µmol h−1 plant−1 of C2H4) was detected in the plants from the 40 mg kg−1 nano-primed seeds. The K concentration of progeny seeds from nano-priming with 10, 20, and 40 mg NPs L−1 increased significantly by 3%, 16%, and 13% compared to the control seeds. The Zn concentration in the seeds from nano-priming with 10 mg NPs L−1 was 27% higher than in the control and 28% higher than in the hydro-primed seeds. When nano-priming with 40 mg NPs L−1, the Zn concentration was 5% and 6% higher than the control and hydro-primed seeds. The calculated cost of nano-priming seeds per ha ranged from 121 to 143 USD. In this regard, nano-priming of bean seeds with citrate-coated CoFe2O4 NPs could be a low-cost approach to achieve nutritional security and agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The action-to-reaction dynamics of next-generation nanofertilizers (NFs) towards field crops are currently being addressed in precision and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) or their combination with hybrid nanoporous biosilica mixed with yeast (ZnSi-bio) for soybean plants' selected production and physiological indices in comparison to an NF-free control. The experiment was conducted at eco-friendly concentrations in Veľký Krtíš, Slovakia, a location within the Central European agronomical region. The ZnSi-bio variant had an improved number of pods, seed count, and yield, while the ZnO-NPs variant had an enhanced seed bulk density compared to the NF-free control, which had a greater effect on thousand-seed weight (TSW). Significant differences were found in the final quality components of soybeans with respect to phosphorus content without ZnO-NP biofortification. In the case of the ZnSi-bio variant, soybeans were biofortified with zinc. Both leaf-applied NFs markedly improved nutritional and energetic values for soybeans. NFs continued to positively affect seasonal physiology, such as the stomatal conductance (Ig) and crop water stress index (CWSI), compared to the control. The results suggest that the ZnO-NPs, especially when combined with hybrid biosilica and yeast, open new avenues for interdisciplinary research in agro-food science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a versatile dryland crop known for its high calcium (Ca) content. Estimating the variability for grain nutrients in diverse germplasm is important for developing biofortified cultivars. A finger millet diversity panel consisting of 310 accessions and four controls was evaluated in two rainy seasons at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India, to assess variability for grain nutrient content and its association with agronomic traits and identify promising accessions. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission electrometry was used to analyze grain nutrients content, and the protein content was estimated from the total nitrogen content of the finger millet grains using the sulfuric acid–selenium digestion method. Highly significant variability was found for all the grain nutrients and was significantly influenced by the genotype, environment, and their interactions. Grain nutrients showed a significant relationship between the 2 years (R2 = 0.06 for phosphorus to 0.60 for Ca, p ≥ 0.001). A nonsignificant correlation between grain yield and Ca was noticed among accessions within landraces, breeding lines, and accessions from Asia, while this correlation was significantly negative among accessions from Africa and in the entire set. The estimated percent daily values indicated that the consumption of 100 g of finger millet grains could potentially contribute to the recommended dietary allowance of up to 49% Ca, 52% magnesium, 23% protein, 23% iron, and 26% zinc. This study provides valuable insights into the variability in the finger millet germplasm, and identified grain nutrient dense accessions, that could be used in finger millet improvement to develop the biofortified cultivars. Core Ideas: Finger millet is a highly versatile dryland crop renowned for its remarkable calcium content.The study highlights significant variability in the grain nutrients content of finger millet germplasm.The promising nutrients dense accessions identified are a valuable resource for finger millet improvement.Consuming 100 g of finger millet grains could potentially contribute up to 49% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of phosphorus and molybdenum treatment on macro and micronutrient biofortification in bean. The study sheds light on the individual and interactive effects of phosphorus and molybdenum on macro and micronutrient uptake and biofortification in Phaseolus vulgaris. Three levels of phosphorus and molybdenum were used in the experiment laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. Phosphorus and molybdenum treatment promoted nitrogen accumulation in both straw and seed. Nitrogen content increased with rising phosphorus doses in straw and seed over control by 42.3% and 7.4%, respectively. Moreover, phosphorus addition increased straw manganese content while molybdenum enhanced straw manganese. In addition, 4 g Mo kg-1/seed treatment boosted seed magnesium concentration over control by 28.2%, however, no phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, and zinc in the plant materials, likely due to the sufficient levels of these nutrients in the soil composition of the experimental area. According to results, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc varied in straw and seed between 3.15-7.05% and 17.5-19.2%, 586-990 ppm and 1049-1355 ppm, 695- 2690 ppm and 1021-1727 ppm, 5839-11162 ppm and 559-1303 ppm, 690-1474 ppm and 348-1036 ppm, 25.3-38.3 ppm and 8.29-9.29 ppm, 8.6-16.9 ppm and 11.3-19.9 ppm, 469-927 ppm and 70.2-80.3 ppm, 6.5- 10.8 ppm and 17.9-23.3 ppm, respectively. Consequently, it has been determined that molybdenum supplementation is necessary along with phosphorus fertilization in areas where beans are grown, especially in acidic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination with chromium (Cr) is becoming a primary ecological and health concern, specifically in the Kasur and Sialkot regions of Pakistan. The main objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (0, 25, 50, 100 mg L−1) and Fe NPs (0, 5, 10, 20 mg L−1) in red sails lettuce plants grown in Cr-contaminated soil. Our results showed that both ZnO and Fe NPs improved plant growth, and photosynthetic attributes by minimizing oxidative stress in lettuce plants through the stimulation of antioxidant enzyme activities. At ZnO NPs (100 mgL−1), dry weights of shoots and roots and fresh weights of shoots and roots were improved by 53%, 58%, 34%, and 45%, respectively, as compared to the respective control plants. The Fe NPs treatment (20 mgL−1) increased the dry weight of shoots and the roots and fresh weights of shoots and roots by 53%, 76%, 42%, and 70%, respectively. Application of both NPs reduced the oxidative stress caused by Cr, as evident by the findings of the current study, i.e., at the ZnO NPs (100 mgL−1) and Fe NPs (20 mgL−1), the EL declined by 32% and 44%, respectively, in comparison with respective control plants. Moreover, Fe and ZnO NPs enhanced the Fe and Zn contents in red sails lettuce plants. Application of ZnO NPs at 100 mg L−1 and Fe NPs at 20 mg L−1, improved the Zn and Fe contents in plant leaves by 86%, and 68%, respectively, as compared to the control plants. This showed that the exogenous application of these NPs helped in Zn and Fe fortification in plants. At similar of concenteration ZnO NPs, CAT and APX activities were improved by 52% and 53%, respectively. Similarly, the POD contents were improved by 17% and 45% at 5 and 10 mg/L of Fe NPs. Furthermore, ZnO and Fe NPs limited the Cr uptake by plants, and the concentration of Cr in the leaves of lettuce was under the threshold limit. The exogenous application of ZnO NPs (100 mg L−1) and Fe NPs (20 mg L−1) reduced the Cr uptake in the leaves of red sails lettuce by 57% and 51%, respectively. In conclusion, ZnO and Fe NPs could be used for the improvement of plant growth and biomass as well as nutrient fortification in stressed environments. These findings not only underscore the efficacy of nanoparticle-assisted phytoremediation but also highlight its broader implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental health. However, future studies on other crops with molecular-level investigations are recommended for the validation of the results. HIGHLIGHTS: ZnO and Fe NPs improved the growth and photosynthesis of red sails lettuce plants Both NPs enhanced antioxidants enzymes activities in stressed plants NPs mediated response reduced the oxidative stress and Cr uptake in red sails lettuce ZnO and Fe NPs resulted in Zn and Fe fortification, respectively, in red sails lettuce [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important staple crop, especially for resource-poor populations. Cassava-based diets are rich in calories but grossly deficient in essential mineral elements. A field study in southeastern Nigeria aimed at increasing yields and concentrations of bioavailable mineral elements in a β-carotene cassava variety, UMUCASS 38 (TMS 01/1371), through agronomic biofortification. A randomized complete block design experiment in triplicate, with foliar application of Zn (3.0 kg ha−1 Zn as ZnSO4), I (4.0 kg ha−1 I as KI), Se (0.25 kg ha−1 Se as Na2SeO3) and Zn + Se + I in combination at vegetative, tuber initiation and bulking stages of cassava. Results indicated neither phytotoxicity nor altered physical and chemical soil properties. Application of Zn or Zn + Se + I at the vegetative stage significantly increased cassava tuber yields. More Zn, Se, and I accumulated in fresh and processed cassava tuber products (gari, lafun), especially when Zn + Se + I was applied at tuber initiation stage. The combined application of Zn + Se + I consistently outperformed sole applications indicating a synergistic interaction effect between the three elements. It is concluded that in the Zn-deficient soils of southeast Nigeria, yield of cassava root tubers can be significantly increased by foliar application of Zn-containing fertilizer at the vegetative stage, but for optimal accumulation of elemental Zn, Se, and I, a combined Zn + Se + I fertilizer be applied at the tuber initiation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global efforts to address malnutrition and hidden hunger, particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, have intensified, with a focus on enhancing the nutritional content of staple crops like rice. Despite serving as a staple for over half of the world's population, rice falls short in meeting daily nutritional requirements, especially for iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Genetic resources, such as wild rice species and specific rice varieties, offer promising avenues for enhancing Fe and Zn content. Additionally, molecular breeding approaches have identified key genes and loci associated with Fe and Zn accumulation in rice grains. This review explores the genetic resources and molecular mechanisms underlying Fe and Zn accumulation in rice grains. The functional genomics involved in Fe uptake, transport, and distribution in rice plants have revealed key genes such as OsFRO1 , OsIRT1 , and OsNAS3. Similarly, genes associated with Zn uptake and translocation, including OsZIP11 and OsNRAMP1 , have been identified. Transgenic approaches, leveraging transporter gene families and genome editing technologies, offer promising avenues for enhancing Fe and Zn content in rice grains. Moreover, strategies for reducing phytic acid (PA) content, a known inhibitor of mineral bioavailability, have been explored, including the identification of low-PA mutants and natural variants. The integration of genomic information, including whole-genome resequencing and pan-genome analyses, provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of micronutrient traits and facilitates targeted breeding efforts. Functional genomics studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying Fe uptake and translocation in rice. Furthermore, transgenic and genome editing techniques have shown promise in enhancing Fe and Zn content in rice grains through the manipulation of key transporter genes. Overall, the integration of multi-omics approaches holds significant promise for addressing global malnutrition and hidden hunger by enhancing the nutritional quality of rice, thereby contributing to improved food and nutritional security worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal crops account for a large proportion of human caloric demand for billions of people worldwide. However, harmful heavy metal accumulation in grain, i.e., cadmium (Cd), creates a widespread problem in threatening human health directly or indirectly through the food chain. In contrast to Cd, zinc (Zn)—an essential element chemically similar to Cd—is usually lower in concentration in consumed cereals than the amount needed to meet dietary needs, leading to malnutrition in many developing countries. As genetics and functional genomics data become increasingly available, a large body of studies has been conducted for Cd and Zn separately in different cereal crops, making it possible to perform a comparative analysis to reveal the shared or unique metal accumulation and transport mechanisms from genetic and genomics perspectives. Here, we reviewed recent efforts in dissecting the molecular mechanisms and genetic regulations regarding metal accumulation in cereal crops, mainly focusing on the two chemically similar metals—the toxic heavy metal Cd and the essential micronutrient Zn. Based on the literature study, we highlight a potential metal accumulation pathway that can be used as a benchmark to ascertain the functional roles of transporters across species to decrease Cd accumulation, increase Zn concentrations, and provide our view into the metal composition improvement in cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a polluted site in Tianjin area, the experiment was designed to compare two soil columns in the addition group and the control group by using the screened petroleum hydrocarbon degrading functional bacteria. The effects of the functional bacteria on petroleum hydrocarbon degradation were investigated by measuring the concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbon, HCO3 - and CO3 2-, combining with 16S high-throughput sequencing, comparing the microbial community structure before and after the reaction, and predicting the function of the sequencing results. The results showed that the addition of functional bacteria had a significant effect on the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The species composition of the column showed that the addition of functional bacteria changed the microbial community diversity in the soil column, and the addition of functional bacteria promoted the growth of Desulfobrunum phylum and inhibited the reproduction of Actinobacterium phylum. Desulfoprunum was mainly present at the water outlet of the two groups of experiments, and it was speculated that sulphate redox reactions existed at the water inlet for both groups of experiments. The relative abundance of Thermincola was higher at the outlet of the bacterial addition group, which was accompanied by strong redox reactions such as denitrification and iron reduction. The analyses of alpha diversity showed that the microbial community diversity was higher in the two groups of test outfalls, while the analyses of beta diversity indicated that the microbial community structure may be related to the spatial location of the test columns. In addition, ecological network analysis revealed that Ascomycota was the key phylum in the tests, and the addition of functional bacteria promoted the synergistic and cooperative relationship among species. PICRUSt2 functional prediction analysis showed that the addition of functional bacteria only enhanced the abundance of bamB, bamC in the water intake, and badA, badDEFG in the water outflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Iron (Fe) deficiency in calcareous soils is a significant agricultural challenge, affecting crop productivity and nutritional quality. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate Fe solubilizing rhizobacterial isolates from maize rhizosphere in calcareous soils as potential biofertilizers. Forty bacterial isolates coded as SG1, SG2, …, SG40 were isolated and screened for siderophore production, with ten showing significant Fe solubilizing capabilities. These isolates were further assessed for phosphate solubilization and exopolysaccharides production. The selected bacterial isolates were also screened under axenic conditions for their ability to improve maize growth. The isolates SG8, SG13, SG24, SG30 and SG33 significantly enhanced growth parameters of maize. Notably, SG30 showed highest increment in shoot length (58%), root length (54%), root fresh and dry biomass (67% and 76%), SPAD value (67%), relative water contents (69%), root surface area (61%), and Fe concentration in shoots (79%) as compared to control. The biochemical characterization of these strains showed that all these strains have capability to solubilize insoluble phosphorus, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ammonia with catalase, urease and protease activity. Molecular identification through 16s rRNA gene sequencing confirmed high similarity (99.7–100%) of the selected isolates to various Bacillus species, including B. pyramidoids, B. firmicutes, and B. cereus. The study provides a strong base for developing eco-friendly, cost-effective biofertilizers to address Fe deficiency in crops and promote sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Identification of high carotenoid germplasm is crucial to assist breeders in provitamin-A biofortification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench). High-performance liquid chromatography is the gold standard for carotenoid quantification, however, it is not feasible for large scale phenotyping due to its high cost and low throughput. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using grain color as a high-throughput method of carotenoid biofortification breeding. We hypothesized that visual, color-based selection can be an effective strategy to identify high-carotenoid accessions. Yellow grain had significantly higher carotenoid content than red, brown, and white grain. The degree of yellowness could distinguish the presence or absence of carotenoids, but could not distinguish carotenoid concentrations within yellow-only accessions. The degree of luminosity of the grain, however, was able to better predict carotenoid concentrations within yellow-only accessions. Genome-wide association studies identified significant marker-trait associations for qualitative and quantitative grain color traits and carotenoid concentrations near carotenoid pathway genes—ZEP, PDS, CYP97A, NCED, CCD, and LycE—three of which were common between grain color and carotenoid traits. These findings suggest that using grain color as a method for screening germplasm may be an effective high-throughput selection tool for prebreeding and early-stage breeding in carotenoid biofortification.