Unravelling the impact of soil types on zinc, iron, and selenium concentrations in grains and straw of wheat/Amblyopyrum muticum and wheat/Triticum urartu doubled haploid lines

Summary

This pot experiment investigated how soil physico-chemical properties influence micronutrient uptake in wheat and its wild relatives by growing 21 doubled haploid genotypes in two contrasting Malawian soil types. Grain zinc was approximately two-fold higher in acidic, zinc-rich soils (Chitedze), whilst grain selenium was 30-fold higher in neutral, zinc-poor soils (Ngabu), demonstrating strong soil-type and genotype interactions. These findings highlight that soil management and cultivar selection are critical levers for improving micronutrient density in staple cereals.

Regional applicability

UK wheat soils typically have higher pH and lower zinc availability than Malawian soils, suggesting UK grain zinc concentrations may be constrained by similar soil chemistry principles. The genotypic variation identified could inform breeding strategies for micronutrient-enriched wheat adapted to temperate soil conditions, though direct agronomic recommendations would require UK-specific soil and cultivar trials.

Key measures

Grain and straw Zn, Fe and Se concentrations (ICP-MS); soil DTPA-extractable Zn and Fe; soil aqua-regia-extractable Se; soil pH, texture and organic matter content

Outcomes reported

The study measured zinc, iron and selenium concentrations in grain and straw of wheat doubled haploid lines grown in two contrasting soil types. It quantified how soil pH, organic matter and mineral availability influence micronutrient accumulation in wheat tissues.

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