Seed nutripriming with zinc is an apt tool to alleviate malnutrition

Abstract

More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient malnutrition, sometimes known as hidden hunger. Zn malnutrition affects around a third of the world's population. The physicochemical features of soil, which limit the availability of Zn to plants, cause Zn deficiency. The eating habits of certain populations are more depended on Zn-deficient staple foods. Due to the high expense and certain interventions such as diet diversification, zinc supplementation and food fortification cannot be achieved in disadvantaged populations. Biofortification is the most practical technique for alleviating Zn malnutrition. Seed priming with nutrients is a promising biofortification approach for edible crops. Seed nutripriming with zinc is a cost-effective and environmentally benign approach of biofortification. Seeds can be nutriprimed with Zn using a variety of methods such as Zn fertilisers, Zn chelated compounds and Zn nanoparticles. Nutripriming with nanoparticles is gaining popularity these days due to its numerous advantages and vast biofortification potential. Seeds enriched with Zn also aid plant performance in Zn-deficient soil. Zn an essential trace element can regulate physiological, biochemical and molecular processes of plant cells and thus can enhance germination, growth, yield and bioavailable Zn in edible crops. Moreover, zinc emerges as an important element of choice for the management of COVID-19 symptoms.

Zinc biofortification through seed nutri-priming using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea and sunflower microgreens

“…There are various sources of Zn on the market, and they come in multiple forms, including inorganic salts, nanoparticles, and chelated forms. Zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 ) is the most popular salt because it is relatively inexpensive, highly soluble, and widely available on the market ( Veena and Puthur, 2022 ). Chelated synthetic fertilizers, such as Zn-EDTA, are also popular sources.…”

“…Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are another alternative source of Zn fertilizer that is now under evaluation. Because of their unique qualities, such as very small size (1–100 nm), high surface/volume ratios, increased stability, and reactivity, they may have higher absorption efficiency ( De La Torre-Roche et al., 2020 ; Veena and Puthur, 2022 ). Nanoparticles may not only increase the concentration of specific minerals but also affect the plant phytochemical profiles and increase crop nutritional value ( García-López et al., 2019 ; Quiterio-Gutiérrez et al., 2019 ).…”

Molecular dynamics of seed priming at the crossroads between basic and applied research

“…Farmers preferentially use commercial seeds with enhanced quality, resulting from the technological advances achieved by seed companies. High-vigor seeds offer several advantages, including high yields, improved nutritional value (Veena and Puthur 2022 ; Zrig et al 2022 ), stress tolerance, and disease resistance. Additionally, different pre-sowing techniques, comprehensively defined as seed priming, are also applied to increase seed vigor.…”

Comparative Effects of Hydropriming and Iron Priming on Germination and Seedling Morphophysiological Attributes of Stay-Green Wheat

“…At least 18 mineral nutrients are vital and required for the proper growth, development, and reproduction of plants as well as humans. , Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) with atomic numbers 56 and 30, respectively, are among the important transition metals on earth, which have been classified as essential micronutrients needed in small quantities and play regulatory, catalytic, signaling, and structural roles . Fe has a vital role in plant physiological and biochemical processes, and many electron transport reactions and plant hormone synthesizing machinery need iron as cofactor for their accomplishment. , Leaf chlorosis is a condition during which a young leaf is turned yellow, which results mainly from the deficiency of iron.…”