Elemental Composition and Implications on Brown Rice Flour Biofortified with Selenium

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Nutrition
• Food Science

Background:

• Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a global staple, necessitating sustainable methods to enhance its nutritional value.
• Biofortification strategies are crucial for improving crop productivity and human health.
• Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with potential benefits for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of foliar selenium application in enhancing the nutritional value of rice.
• To evaluate the impact of different selenium compounds (selenite and selenate) on rice grain biofortification.
• To assess the effects of selenium on micronutrient and macronutrient content, Se localization, and quality parameters in rice grains.

Main Methods:

• Agronomic field trials were conducted on Ariete and Ceres rice varieties.
• Foliar application of sodium selenate and sodium selenite was performed at key growth stages (booting, anthesis, milky grain).
• Selenium content, micro- and macronutrient levels, and quality parameters (colorimetric, protein) in brown rice grains were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Foliar application of sodium selenite led to the highest selenium enrichment in both rice varieties.
• Selenium biofortification significantly altered potassium and phosphorus content in Ceres and Ariete rice.
• Selenium application showed an antagonistic effect on calcium uptake, while other elements (except manganese) were largely unaffected.
• Protein content increased with selenite treatment in the Ariete variety.

Conclusions:

• Foliar selenium application, particularly with selenite, is an effective strategy for biofortifying rice with selenium.
• Selenium biofortification can enhance essential mineral content in rice grains without negatively impacting quality.
• This approach offers a sustainable method to improve the nutritional profile of a globally important cereal crop.