Glyphosate reduced seed and leaf concentrations of calcium, manganese, magnesium, and iron in non-glyphosate resistant soybean

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the effects of glyphosate drift on plant growth and concentrations of mineral nutrients in leaves and seeds of non-glyphosate resistant soybean plants (Glycine max, L.). Glyphosate was sprayed on plant shoots at increasing rates between 0.06 and 1.2% of the recommended application rate forweed control. In an experiment with 3-week-old plants, increasing application of glyphosate on shoots significantly reduced chlorophyll concentration of the young leaves and shoots dry weight, particularly the young parts of plants. Concentration of shikimate due to increasing glyphosate rates was nearly 2-fold for older leaves and 16-fold for younger leaves compared to the control plants without glyphosate spray. Among the mineral nutrients analyzed, the leaf concentrations of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were not affected, or even increased significantly in case of P and Cu in young leaves by glyphosate, while the concentrations of calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg) were reduced, particularly in young leaves. In the case of Fe, leaf concentrations showed a tendency to be reduced by glyphosate. In the second experiment harvested at the grain maturation, glyphosate application did not reduce the seed concentrations of nitrogen (N), K, P, Zn and Cu. Even, at the highest application rate of glyphosate, seed concentrations of N, K, Zn and Cuwere increased by glyphosate. By contrast, the seed concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were significantly reduced by glyphosate. These results suggested that glyphosatemay interfere with uptake and retranslocation of Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn, most probably by binding and thus immobilizing them. The decreases in seed concentration of Fe, Mn, Ca and Mg by glyphosate are very specific, and may affect seed quality

Response of Haricot Bean Varieties to Different Levels of Iron Application in Selected Areas of Ethiopia

Haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can be an important source of Fe for human nutrition, particularly in regions in which human Fe deficiencies are known to occur. A study using replicated field and greenhouse experiments was conducted in Ethiopia to evaluate the yield and Fe uptake response of different haricot bean varieties (Nasir, Ibado, Hawassa Dume, and Sari-1) to different levels of foliar-applied iron (Fe) fertilizer (0, 1, 2, and 3% solution). Pot experiment results indicated yield, yield components, and tissue Fe concentrations varied among varieties and across soils. The variety Ibado yielded the highest leaf Fe concentration (290.19 mg kg-1) whereas Hawassa Dume had the highest number of pods per plant (7.28) and grain yield (15.85 g per pot). Varieties Sari-1 and Nasir produced the highest number of seeds per pod (4.94) and seed Fe concentration (59.02 mg kg-1), respectively. Levels of Fe fertilization did not significantly influence yield and yield components, but significantly increased both leaf and seed Fe concentrations. Application of 3% FeSO4.7H2O produced the highest concentration of both leaf (339.50 mg kg-1) and seed Fe (53.46 mg kg-1). Field experiments revealed that haricot bean varieties significantly varied in yield, yield components, and leaf and seed Fe concentration. Highest grain yield (3099.55 kg ha-1) was observed with variety Hawassa Dume. Production was significantly influenced by planting season and location. Overall, 3% FeSO4.7H2O fertilizer application best improved the quality of haricot bean produced. Keywords: Haricot bean, Iron, Concentration, Varieties, Seed Fe, Leaf F

Effects of Iron Fertilization on Yield and Tissue Micronutrients Concentrations of Different Haricot Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Varieties in Southern Ethiopia

Although required in smaller quantity, micronutrients are as essential as macronutrients for optimum growth and yield for beans. This study was conducted under field conditions at Halaba, Butajira and Taba, and under greenhouse conditions with soils collected from the aforementioned locations to evaluate the effect of Fe fertilization on tissue micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) contents of different haricot bean varieties. The treatments include two factors, haricot bean varieties (Nasir, Ibado, Hawassa Dume, and Sari-1) and levels of foliar-applied iron (Fe) fertilizer (0, 1, 2, and 3% solution). Both the pot and field experiments indicated that yield and tissue micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) concentrations of haricot bean varied significantly across soils (locations) and among varieties.  The highest seed Fe concentration (59.04 mg kg-1) was recorded in Taba soil, whereas the lowest value, 35.63 mg kg-1, was observed in Halaba soil. Hawassa Dume and Nasir produced the highest and equal grain yield, whereas Nasir produced the highest seed Fe concentration (59.02 mg kg-1). The highest leaf Fe concentration (290.19 mg kg-1), was observed with Ibado. Foliar application of FeSO4.7H2O did not significantly influence tissue Zn concentration and leaf Cu concentration, but seed Cu, tissue Mn and tissue Fe were significantly affected by Fe fertilization. The application of different levels of Fe fertilizer did not significantly influence yield of haricot bean varieties, but it significantly increased both leaf and seed Fe concentrations.  Consequently, Nasir and 3% FeSO4.7H2O were found to be the best variety and rate, respectively, for quality production of haricot bean. Keywords: Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Concentration and Haricot bea

Triticum dicoccoides: an important genetic resource for increasing zinc and iron concentration in modern cultivated wheat

One major strategy to increase the level of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in cereal crops, is to exploit the natural genetic variation in seed concentration of these micronutrients. Genotypic variation for Zn and Fe concentration in seeds among cultivated wheat cultivars is relatively narrow and limits the options to breed wheat genotypes with high concentration and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in seed. Alternatively, wild wheat might be an important genetic resource for enhancing micronutrient concentrations in seeds of cultivated wheat. Wild wheat is widespread in diverse environments in Turkey and other parts of the Fertile Crescent (e.g., Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan). A large number of accessions of wild wheat and of its wild relatives were collected from the Fertile Crescent and screened for Fe and Zn concentrations as well as other mineral nutrients. Among wild wheat, the collections of wild emmer wheat, Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides (825 accessions) showed impressive variation and the highest concentrations of micronutrients, significantly exceeding those of cultivated wheat. The concentrations of Zn and Fe among the dicoccoides accessions varied from 14 to 190 mg kg(-1) DW for Zn and from 15 to 109 mg kg(-1) DW for Fe. Also for total amount of Zn and Fe per seed, dicoccoides accessions contained very high amount of Zn (up to 7 mug per seed) and Fe (up to 3.7 mug per seed). Such high genotypic variation could not be found for phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur. In the case of modern cultivated wheat, seed concentrations of Zn and Fe were lower and less variable when compared to wild wheat accessions. There was a highly significant positive correlation between seed concentrations of Fe and Zn. Screening different series of dicoccoides substitution lines revealed that the chromosome 6A, 6B, and 5B of dicoccoides resulted in greater increase in Zn and Fe concentration when compared to their recipient parent and to other chromosome substitution lines. The results indicate that Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides (wild emmer) is an important genetic resource for increasing concentration and content of Zn and Fe in modern cultivated wheat

Seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles: An innovative seed quality enhancement technique in pigeonpea

A laboratory study was undertaken to know the effect of seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentration (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) in pigeonpea at Department of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, Raichur. Among the treatments seed polymer coating with Zn NPs at 750 ppm recorded significantly higher seed germination (96.00 %), seedling length (26.63 cm), seedling dry weight (85.00 mg), speed of germination (32.95), field emergence (89.67 %), seedling vigour index (2556), dehydrogenase activity (0.975 OD value) and ?-amylase activity (25.67 mm) and lowest abnormal seedlings (2.50 %) over their bulk forms and control followed by Fe and Zn NPs at 500 ppm. However, in contrast to beneficial effects, these NPs also shown inhibitory effect on germination and seedling growth at higher concentration (nano Zn >750 ppm and nano Fe > 500 ppm). Hence, from the results it is concluded that Zn NPs at 750 ppm can be used to enhance quality of the pigeonpea seeds

The alimentary impact of the hemp seed

Hemp seed and hemp seed oil can supply us with many important substances. Their essential fatty acid compositions are favourable, but they may contain non-psychotropic cannabinoids. Emerging data show that these components can influence the health status of the population beneficially. Some data also showed trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol in seed oils, the main psychotropic cannabinoid that is contraindicated.Our aim was to examine cannabinoids and fatty acid composition as well as metal and non-metal element compositions in products, like hemp seed oil and chopped hemp seed capsule.The cannabinoids were separated by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition was determined with gas chromatography, and elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn) were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric method. Selenium was determined with polarographic analyser.Cannabinoids were not detectable by thin layer chromatography, so hemp seed oil, as well as the capsule, have no psychotropic adverse effect. Our data showed that hemp seed contains essential fatty acids close to the recommended ratio. The B and Se concentrations of the oils and the P concentration of the capsule are also relevant

Recurrent Selection to Alter Grain Phytic Acid Concentration and Iron Bioavailability

Iron is an important micronutrient and Fe deficiency is a global health concern. Phytic acid inhibits Fe absorption and cannot be digested by monogastric livestock or humans. High phytate concentration in staple crops may be one of the contributing factors for the high incidence of anemia in developing countries because of its inhibiting effect on Fe absorption. In seeds, it serves as the main storage compound for P. Low phytic acid mutants (lpa) in maize (Zea mays L.) have improved Fe bioavailability, but they have poor germination. Our objective was to develop both low phytic acid (LPA) and high phytic acid (HPA) maize populations using recurrent selection and to compare seed quality and Fe bioavailability among the HPA and LPA populations and lpa mutant lines. Three cycles of selection were performed in two broad-based synthetic populations, BS11 and BS31. The resulting HPA and LPA populations were significantly different in phytic acid concentration in the BS11-derived populations (P \u3c 0.05) but not in the BSS31-derived populations (P \u3e 0.05). The BS11LPA maize population had improved seed germination (13–16%; P \u3c 0.05), and Fe bioavailability was not statistically different (P \u3e 0.05) than the lpa mutant inbred lines. We conclude that recurrent selection for phytic acid levels may be a viable approach for improving Fe bioavailability of grain while maintaining seed quality

Iron biofortification and fortification of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Biofortification and fortification strategies for lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) were investigated to increase bioavailable iron (Fe) in the human diet. Biofortification studies included, firstly, development of a precise protocol for Fe analysis of seeds of all (seven) Lens species using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). Secondly, genotype (G) × harvest (H) timing interaction of seed Fe accumulation was determined during seed maturation stages in seven lentil species. Thirdly, estimates were made of seed Fe concentration (SFeC), its inheritance, and the effect of genotype (G) × environment (E) interaction for two interspecific recombinant inbred line populations (RILs) of lentil. Finally, molecular markers associated with SFeC across 138 diverse cultivated lentil accessions were identified by phenotyping in four environments in Saskatchewan, Canada. For the fortification strategy, appropriate methods and dosage were determined for Fe fortification of lentil dal with FeSO₄·7H₂O, NaFeEDTA and FeSO₄·H₂O. A colorimetric study determined changes in appearance of fortified lentil at various Fe concentrations over three storage periods. Sensory evaluation with panelists in Saskatoon and Bangladesh evaluated cooked and uncooked fortified lentil using a 9-point hedonic scale (1 = dislike extremely to 9 = like extremely). Finally, Fe and phytic acid (PA) concentration and relative Fe bioavailability (RFeB%) were estimated in 30 traditional Bangladeshi dal meals featuring either fortified (fortificant Fe concentration of 2800 µg g⁻¹) or unfortified lentil. The first study determined the minimum lentil seed sample (0.3 g and 0.5 g of wild and cultivated species, respectively) required for an accurate and precise estimation of SFeC. The G × H timing interaction study revealed significant variation for SFeC among genotypes, but a similar seed Fe accumulation trend over the harvest period. Field evaluations revealed significant variability for SFeC among lentil RILs and for G × E interactions with high broad sense heritability for SFeC. Association mapping studies revealed wide variation for SFeC among genotypes. Two SNP markers were tightly linked to SFeC (−log10 P ≥ 4.36) and also seven additional markers were also significant (−log10 P ≥ 3.06) for SFeC. Most (six) markers were found on chromosome 5. Putative candidate genes were identified underlying alleles encoding Fe related functions. The fortification study revealed that NaFeEDTA was the most suitable Fe fortificant for lentil dal, and at 1600 µg g⁻¹ fortificant Fe concentration, it provided 13-14 mg of additional Fe per 100 g of dal. Total Fe and PA concentrations, and RFeB% differed significantly between cooked unfortified and fortified lentil. Significant differences in sensory quality were observed among all uncooked and cooked samples when tested in Canada and Bangladesh. NaFeEDTA had the least effect on consumer perception of colour, taste, texture, odour and overall acceptability of cooked lentil. The meal study revealed that NaFeEDTA fortified lentil increased Fe concentration in lentil from 60 to 439 µg g⁻¹ and RFeB% by 79% as estimated by Caco-2 cell ferritin formation. Phytic acid levels also were reduced from 6.2 to 4.6 mg g⁻¹ when fortified lentil was added, thereby reducing the PA:Fe molar ratio from 8.8 to 0.9. The overall outcomes of this research could help to significantly and cost-effectively increase the amount of bioavailable Fe in lentil, and the consumption of fortified lentil could help to provide a significant part of the consumer’s daily Fe requirement

Effect of foliar application of Zn and Fe on wheat yield and quality

Intensive and multiple cropping, cultivations of crop varieties with heavy nutrient requirement and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers especially nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers reduced quality of grain production and the appearance of micronutrient deficiency in crops. A field experiment wasconducted on clay-loam soil in Moghan region during 2007-2008 to investigate the effect of foliar application of zinc and iron on wheat yield and quality at tillering and heading stage. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The SAS software package was used to analyze all the data and means were separated by the least significant difference (LSD) test at P< 0.01. The treatments were control (no Zn and Fe Application), 150 g Zn.ha-1 as ZnSO4, 150 g Fe.ha-1 as Fe2O3, and a combination of both Zn and Fe. In this study, parameters such as wheat grain yield, seed-Zn and Fe concentration were evaluated. Results showed that foliar application of Zn and Fe increased seed yield and its quality compared with control. Among treatments, application of (Fe + Zn)obtained highest seed yield and quality