Summary
This narrative review examines agronomic biofortification—the application of micronutrients to crops to enhance their nutritional quality—as a cost-effective strategy to address global hidden hunger. The authors synthesise evidence on how application methods, chemical forms, doses, and the use of biofertilisers and nanofertilisers influence the accumulation of selenium, zinc and iron in edible plant tissues, alongside impacts on crop stress resilience and yield maintenance. The review identifies this approach as a promising pathway to improve micronutrient intake in populations reliant on plant-based diets without compromising agricultural productivity.
UK applicability
UK cereal and horticulture producers may find this review relevant for exploring biofortification strategies to enhance crop nutrient density, though UK soil selenium and zinc status typically differs from deficit regions. Implementation would require context-specific agronomic trials and consideration of UK regulatory frameworks for micronutrient amendments.
Key measures
Micronutrient (Se, Zn, Fe) concentration in edible crop parts; yield parameters; plant metabolic and morphological responses; abiotic stress tolerance indicators
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on factors affecting biofortification effectiveness (application type, form, dose, biofertilisers, nanofertilisers) and accumulation of zinc, selenium and iron in edible crop parts. It examined effects on plant metabolism, morphology, yield and defence mechanisms against abiotic stresses including salinity, temperature extremes, heavy metals and drought.
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