Agronomical biofortification of garlic plant (Allium sativum L.) in aspect of increasing selenium content and antioxidant properties

ABSTRACT The paper presents results of studying the effect of garlic plant (Allium sativum L.) foliar treatment with gibberellins and potassium selenate on the yield, selenium content and antioxidant protection capacity of the leaves and bulbs. It has been found that biological fortification of the garlic plant by treating the leaves with the solution of potassium selenate increases the selenium content in leaves and bulbs, the capacity of the antioxidant protection of cells, the content of the proline, pigment assimilation and, reduces lipid peroxidation. Potassium selenate amplifies the adaptive potential of plants, reduces the negative impact of moisture deficit, enhances the accumulation of the substances that increase the water retention capacity in the leaves, and optimizes the processes of growth and productivity