Uptake, distribution and biofortification of selenium in Acmella Oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen

Nutritional biofortification of foods is a promising alternative to reduce Selenium deficiency in the diet of populations. This study evaluated the biofortification capacity of jambu with Se. The experiment was completely randomized with six treatments and five repetitions, in hydroponics. Five doses of Se in the form of sodium selenate (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg.L-1) and the control dose were used. Biometric, macro and micronutrient analyzes were performed, as well as the Se content in the plant parts. The indices of translocation (TrI), tolerance (tI) and Nutrient Use Efficiency (Nue) were estimated. The results were submitted to ANOVA and principal components analysis for the construction of multivariate indicators, in order to specify the regression models. The plant obtained higher agronomic performance when submitted to a dose of 3mg.L-1, with Se translocation above 70%. The tI and Nue indices indicated that jambu reached optimal growth with the dose of 3 mg.L-1 of Se. The results obtained from the regression equation of the multivariate indicators of growth, mass and nutrition indicated that the ideal concentrations of Se varied between 2.77 and 3.36 mg.L-1. The general indicator that captured the entire plant behavior showed that the optimal concentration for biofortification is 2.98 mg.L-1 of Se. The daily consumption of 100 g of biofortified jambu at the indicated dose provides a daily content of 50.13µg of Se for the population, a sufficient amount of Se for a balanced diet.