Selenium fortification induces growth, antioxidant activity, yield and nutritional quality of lettuce in salt-affected soil using foliar and soil applications

Summary

This field trial investigated selenium biofortification as a strategy to improve lettuce productivity and nutritional quality under salt stress conditions, comparing foliar spray and soil application routes. The work suggests selenium supplementation may enhance both plant stress tolerance through antioxidant mechanisms and edible crop nutrient density, with potential application in salt-affected agricultural regions. The study contributes to micronutrient biofortification approaches for vegetable production under challenging soil conditions.

Regional applicability

Findings may have limited direct application to mainstream United Kingdom horticulture, where salt stress is not typically a production constraint. However, the methodology for selenium biofortification and comparative application routes could inform UK horticultural practice if micronutrient fortification becomes a policy priority, and may be more transferable to salt-affected regions globally.

Key measures

Plant growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, crop yield, selenium concentration, and nutritional quality metrics in lettuce tissue

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated effects of selenium application (foliar and soil routes) on lettuce growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, yield, and nutritional quality when cultivated in salt-affected soil. Measurements likely included plant biomass, selenium accumulation, oxidative stress markers, and mineral composition.

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