Optimizing Grain Zinc Biofortification in Bread Wheat: Innovative Fertilization Strategies for Field Conditions

Abstract

AbstractZinc deficiency in humans is of worldwide concern. The aim of this study is to enrich grains with Zn through soil application at different doses and foliar application from various sources. For this purpose, two independent field experiments have been conducted. In Experiment I, Zn (ZnSO4.7H2O) was applied through soil as basal and top dressing. The treatments were Zn0: control, Zn1: 5 kg Zn ha−1 as basal, Zn2: 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 as basal and 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 as top dressing and Zn3: 5 kg Zn ha−1 as top dressing. In Experiment II, Zn was applied as foliar from different sources (ZnSO4.7H2O, Zn-Methionine, Zn-Polyol and Zn-EDTA) at different growth stages with or without urea. In both experiments, Zn concentration in the grain and leaves of wheat and grain yield increased while phytic acid and PA/Zn molar ratio decreased due to soil or foliar Zn application. It was determined that the application of ZnSO4.7H2O in the soil at the top dressing period in Experiment I and the application of ZnSO4.7H2O and Zn-Methionine forms together with urea in Experiment II were effective methods in increasing grain yield and grain Zn concentration. The application of ZnSO4.7H2O from both soil and foliar sources, especially in combination with urea, has proven to be highly effective in the Zn biofortification of wheat grains. It is possible to assert that the use of ZnSO4.7H2O, which is cost-effective compared to other sources, could contribute significantly to enhancing zinc nutrition in humans.