Summary
This controlled hydroponic study demonstrates that zinc biofortification of basil through nutrient solution enrichment increases tissue zinc concentration with a positive dose–response relationship, whilst simultaneously elevating carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity. The 'Aroma 2' cultivar showed greater resilience to yield reduction at elevated zinc doses, suggesting genotypic variation in stress tolerance. The findings support the feasibility of soilless biofortification programmes for micronutrient enhancement in herb crops, though yield trade-offs merit further investigation.
Regional applicability
These findings are relevant to UK glasshouse and controlled environment horticulture operations, particularly indoor herb production. However, UK-based validation under local growing conditions and consumer acceptability assessment would be needed before adoption into commercial protocols.
Key measures
Photosynthetic assimilation rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, yield, tissue zinc concentration (ICP-MS), antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP by UV-VIS spectrophotometry), phenolic acid concentrations (LC-MS/MS), carotenoid and polyphenol concentrations
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated how zinc supplementation in hydroponic nutrient solution affects photosynthetic physiology, yield, tissue zinc concentration, and antioxidant compound profiles in two basil cultivars. Antioxidant activity and secondary metabolite concentrations were quantified using spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry methods.
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