Editorial: Increasing production of crops with bioavailable micronutrients: a solution to reduce global malnutrition

Abstract

Editorial on the Research TopicIncreasing production of crops with bioavailable micronutrients: a solution to reduce global malnutrition Malnutrition refers to diets that do not contain the proper amounts of nutrients, while hidden hunger refers to micronutrient deficiencies and affects almost one third of world population (Dwivedi et al., 2023). Recent scientific advances have focused on biotechnology and agronomic practices that may improve the nutritional quality of crops and contribute to combating malnutrition and ensure food security (Kumar et al., 2023;Singh Dhaliwal et al., 2023;.This Research Topic compiles innovative research studies and review reports that gather up the most up-to-date information regarding the use of agronomic techniques that can be applied to various crops and result in higher bioavailability of micronutrients without compromising yield and quality of the final product.Yang et al. investigated the selenium (Se) uptake and distribution dynamics in rice plants via Algal Polysaccharides-Selenium Nanoparticles (APS-SeNPs). Their hydroponic study, anchored in the Michaelis-Menten equation, revealed a notable Vmax of 13.54 mg g −1 root dry weight/hour for APS-SeNPs -7.69 and 2.23 times higher than selenite and selenate treatments, respectively. Silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), inhibited the root uptake of APS-SeNP by 64.81% to 79.09% and 19.83% to 29.03%, respectively which indicated aquaporins play an essential role in the primary uptake of APS-SeNP in rice. Furthermore, this study underscored APS-SeNPs efficacy in enhancing Se uptake and defining its unique distribution patterns in rice Xue et al. explored maize biofortification through foliage fertilizer applications including ZnO nanoparticles, Zn complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs), conventional ZnSO 4 , and a comprehensive cocktail solution (Zn, Fe, Se) across three maize cultivars grown in three different locations. The application of conventional Frontiers in Plant Science frontiersin.org 01