The Impact of Selenium Fertilization on the Quality Characteristics of Spring Wheat Grain

Selenium is a micronutrient that is important for the proper functioning of the body. The research presented in this paper investigated the impact of various methods of selenium fertilization at various stages of plant growth on its content in grain and the quality properties of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Selenium fertilization did not affect the grain yield; however, it increased the selenium content in the grain. The research results showed that the accumulation of Se depends not only on the dose of the fertilizer but also on the stage of plant growth when the element is introduced. The most effective method of fertilization proved to be seed treatment and soil application combined with the foliar application at the tillering and stem elongation stages (G + S + F1-2), as well as at the stem elongation stage alone (G + S + F2). In terms of quality characteristics, the impact of selenium fertilization was observed only in the case of the falling number and the total protein content; all the parameters allowed for the grain to be classified as suitable for bread-making. Selenium fertilization can be considered as a safe way of increasing the Se content in spring wheat, which may contribute to an increase in the technological quality of the grain and its nutritional value.

The quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivated in the field depending on iodine and selenium fertilization

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of various chemical forms of iodine (I−and IO3−) and selenium (SeO32−and SeO42−) on the nutritional and health-promoting quality of carrot (Daucus carotaL.) storage roots. The experiment (conducted in 2012-2014) comprised the soil fertilization of carrot ‘Kazan’ F1in the following combinations: 1. Control, 2. KI, 3. KIO3, 4. Na2SeO4, 5. Na2SeO3, 6. KI + Na2SeO4, 7. KIO3+ Na2SeO4, 8. KI + Na2SeO3, 9. KIO3+ Na2SeO3. Iodine and selenium were applied twice: before sowing and as top dressing in a total dose of 5 kg I ha−1and 1 kg Se ha−1. No significant influence of iodine and selenium fertilization was noted with respect to average root weight and leaf yield. Each year, the application of KI + Na2SeO4negatively affected the content of glucose and total sugars in carrot. An increased sucrose level was noted in the roots of plants treated with KIO3+ Na2SeO4, with a total sugar concentration comparable to the control. Irrespective of the year, carrots fertilized with KI were characterized by the highest accumulation of nitrates (III) – NO2−in roots. The simultaneous introduction of iodine and selenium compounds (KI + Na2SeO4, KIO3+ Na2SeO4, KI + Na2SeO3and KIO3+ Na2SeO3) into the soil reduced the content of nitrates (III) in carrot as compared to combinations with the individual application of these compounds. The influence of the tested factors on other analysed parameters (the content of dry weight, nitrates (V), chlorides, oxalates, citrates, free amino acids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, phenylpropanoids, flavonols and anthocyanins as well as free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was rather year-dependent.