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Limits to the Biofortification of Leafy Brassicas with Zinc

Author

Listed:
  • Philip J. White

    (Ecological Science Group, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
    Distinguished Scientist Fellowship Program, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Paula Pongrac

    (Ecological Science Group, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
    Current address: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.)

  • Claire C. Sneddon

    (Ecological Science Group, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
    Current address: Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.)

  • Jacqueline A. Thompson

    (Ecological Science Group, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK)

  • Gladys Wright

    (Ecological Science Group, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK)

Abstract

Many humans lack sufficient zinc (Zn) in their diet for their wellbeing and increasing Zn concentrations in edible produce (biofortification) can mitigate this. Recent efforts have focused on biofortifying staple crops. However, greater Zn concentrations can be achieved in leafy vegetables than in fruits, seeds, or tubers. Brassicas, such as cabbage and broccoli, are widely consumed and might provide an additional means to increase dietary Zn intake. Zinc concentrations in brassicas are limited primarily by Zn phytotoxicity. To assess the limits of Zn biofortification of brassicas, the Zn concentration in a peat:sand ( v / v 75:25) medium was manipulated to examine the relationship between shoot Zn concentration and shoot dry weight (DW) and thereby determine the critical shoot Zn concentrations, defined as the shoot Zn concentration at which yield is reduced below 90%. The critical shoot Zn concentration was regarded as the commercial limit to Zn biofortification. Experiments were undertaken over six successive years. A linear relationship between Zn fertiliser application and shoot Zn concentration was observed at low application rates. Critical shoot Zn concentrations ranged from 0.074 to 1.201 mg Zn g −1 DW among cabbage genotypes studied in 2014, and between 0.117 and 1.666 mg Zn g −1 DW among broccoli genotypes studied in 2015–2017. It is concluded that if 5% of the dietary Zn intake of a population is currently delivered through brassicas, then the biofortification of brassicas from 0.057 to > 0.100 mg Zn g −1 DW through the application of Zn fertilisers could increase dietary Zn intake substantially.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip J. White & Paula Pongrac & Claire C. Sneddon & Jacqueline A. Thompson & Gladys Wright, 2018. "Limits to the Biofortification of Leafy Brassicas with Zinc," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:8:y:2018:i:3:p:32-:d:133562
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Angelica Rivera-Martin & Martin R. Broadley & Maria J. Poblaciones, 2020. "Soil and foliar zinc application to biofortify broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.): effects on the zinc concentration and bioavailability," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 66(3), pages 113-118.
    2. Urs Feller & Stanislav Kopriva & Valya Vassileva, 2018. "Plant Nutrient Dynamics in Stressful Environments: Needs Interfere with Burdens," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-6, July.

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