Work

Enrichment of broccoli seedlings with iron and its impact on germination, antioxidant activity, and the level of phenolic compounds

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Biofortification of edible seedlings (sprouts) is a promising strategy to combat dietary nutrient deficiency. In the present study, we made an attempt to enrich broccoli seedlings through imbibition with Fe at two concentrations, 100 mg Fe · dm–3 and 500 mg Fe · dm–3, of four chemical forms: FeCl2, FeCl3, FeSO4, or Fe2(SO4)3. The imbibition in all of the solutions resulted in a significant increase in Fe content in the seedlings, wherein it was the highest by the imbibition in sulphates applied at the highest concentration (500 mg·dm-3). In addition, the imbibition in sulphates in general did not affect the germination rate, whereas the imbibition in chlorites hampered the germination process. The application of Fe at a concentration of 500 mg Fe · dm–3 in the form of FeSO4 enhanced antioxidant activity, while the application of Fe in the form of FeCl2 and FeCl3 stimulated the accumulation of anthocyanins. It can be concluded that seed imbibition in Fe in the form of FeSO4 is an easy and cheap method for biofortification of broccoli seedlings, leading to a nearly 10-fold increase in Fe content and significant enhancement of antioxidant activity, without affecting the germination rate.

Source: Acta Agrobotanica

DOI: 10.5586/aa/192017

Authors: Adrianna Tomasik, Anna Kubacka, Şuheda Uğur, Jagna Chmielowska-Bąk

Institutions: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Warsaw University of Life Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Plant Micronutrient Interactions and Effects

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $431