Agronomic Biofortification of Maize (Zea mays L.) with Selenium in Malawi

摘要

@@Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans and livestock.Sub-optimal Se intake and tissue concentrations are associated with impaired immune function,oxidative stress-related disorders and reduced fertility.In general,Se intake by humans is determined by the Se content in food as intake from non-food sources is minimal.Recommended dietary Se intakes are typically ＞55μg d~(-1),but＞15% of the world's population is likely to consume insufficient se;for example,the average UK adult consumes<40μg Se d~(-1) (Broadley et al.,2006). As the Se concentration of most foodstuffs is determined by uptake by crops from the soil,Se intake can be increased via agronomic biofortification,i.e.by increasing Se concentration in the edible portions of crops using Se-containing fertilisers (White and Broadley, 2009).