Biofortification of Common Wheat Grains with Combined Ca, Mg, and K through Foliar Fertilisation

Abstract

Common wheat grains are characterised by low concentrations of Ca, K, and Mg, which can be partially removed with the bran during milling processes. This preliminary study investigated the effects of foliar fertilisation at the earing stage with nitrates of Ca, Mg, and K contemporarily, together with a small amount of urea and protein hydrolysate as potential carriers, in two contrasting common wheat varieties, i.e., Solehio (medium proteins content) and Vivendo (high proteins content). Based on the preliminary grain-to-straw concentration ratio of these minerals, two biofortification targets were applied in order to increase their grain contents by +20% and +40%, in comparison with untreated controls. Here, we demonstrate that the highest fertilisation dose was effective in increasing grain K by 13% and Mg by 16% in Vivendo, and Ca by 7% in Solehio, with no boosting effects of the co-formulants urea and protein hydrolysate. In addition to some qualitative benefits due to nitrates supply, negligible phytotoxicity symptoms were observed, as revealed by the NDVI vegetational index dynamics. Although the biofortification target was not fully achieved, this study firstly reports the possibility to increase at the same time Mg and K, and to a lower extent Ca in wheat grains. It is concluded that efficient multiple biofortification should consider a variety-depend response, while further studies are necessary to investigate the effects of different fertilisation timings and doses for improving the poor mineral translocation to the grains.

Source-Sink Dynamics in Field-Grown Durum Wheat Under Contrasting Nitrogen Supplies: Key Role of Non-Foliar Organs During Grain Filling

“…Brennan et al (2007) reported that Ca application had a direct impact on wheat yields, which can suggest that its better uptake in Haristide could be a key factor to increase production. Indeed, Ca may modulate the absorption and translocation of several elements and maintain the integrity of selective ion transport proteins (Cobalchin et al, 2021). Lower Zn content in Haristide, irrespective of N supply, could suggest a poor root uptake or remobilization from shoots to grains (Liu et al, 2019), which is relevant for human diet to avoid symptoms, such as loss of appetite, growth retardation, rough and peeling skin, and immune system dysfunction (Wang et al, 2020).…”

Enhancing the Protein, Mineral Content, and Bioactivity of Wheat Bread through the Utilisation of Microalgal Biomass: A Comparative Study of Chlorella vulgaris, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and Tetraselmis chuii

“…In general, it is important to indicate that the protein, lipid, and ash contents in the end products depend on the specific type of algae utilised and the conditions under which they are cultivated. In general, wheat grains typically contain low concentrations of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), which can be partially removed with the bran during the milling processes [60]. The addition of microalgae biomass can enhance these mineral contents, which are essential for bone health, nerve function, and maintaining overall wellbeing.…”

Ear metabolism and genotype-by-environment interaction in field-grown durum wheat: identification of novel traits for crop improvement

“…Brennan et al (2007) reported that Ca application had a direct impact on wheat yields, what can suggest that its better uptake in Haristide could be a key factor to increase production. Indeed, Ca may modulate the absorption and translocation of several elements and maintain the integrity of selective ion transport proteins (Cobalchin et al, 2021). Lower Zn content in Haristide, irrespective of N supply, could suggest a poor root uptake or remobilisation from shoot to grains (Liu et al, 2019), which is relevant for human diet to avoid symptoms such as loss of appetite, growth retardation, rough and peeling skin, and immune system dysfunction (Wang et al, 2020).…”