Analysis of selenium absorption kinetics and localization in cowpea genotypes using the u-XRF technique associated with physiological and biochemical responses

• Grant number: 19/19114-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal researcher: André Rodrigues dos Reis
• Grantee: Maria Gabriela Dantas Bereta Lanza
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Tupã. Tupã , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mineral plant nutrition is important for food production. New analytical techniques tools to characterize the nutrition status in plants are required. Micro-ray fluorescence (¼-XRF) is a non-destructive technique that performs in vivo and in situ multielemental analyzes in plant tissues. There is conclusive evidence of selenium (Se) deficiency in Brazilian soils. Se is an element that has a rapid environmental response due to its high antioxidant potential, and therefore responsible for metabolic reactions controlling nitrogen metabolism. Northeastern Brazil is the region with the main focus of human malnutrition and cowpea is the main food and protein source for the local population. Therefore, we intend to evaluate the absorption kinetics of Se by cowpea genotypes, and our hypothesis there is genotypic variation of Se absorption and accumulation. This study aims to characterize cowpea genotypes with greater long-distance transport capacity from roots to shoots for future agronomic biofortification programs under field conditions. The experimental design will be 20 x 2 x 2, with 20 cowpea genotypes; 2 Se concentrations (0 and 15 ¼M Se) and 2 sources (sodium selenate and sodium selenite). Seedlings with 10 days of emergence will be acclimated in 30% Hoagland solution for 5 days and then exposed to Se treatments for analysis of Se absorption kinetics by the X-ray micro fluorescence technique (¼-XRF). Se count maps will be carried out on the stem and leaves of cowpea genotypes for Se and Km absorption velocity calculations. Allied to kinetics of absorption will be evaluated stomatal density and photosynthetic rate to estimate mathematical models for classification of cowpea genotypes more responsive to Se absorption and transport. The results of this research can generate important information for recommendation of cowpea genotypes responsive to Se fertilization aiming at agronomic bioforphication under field conditions. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DANTAS BERETA LANZA, MARIA GABRIELA; DOS REIS, ANDRE RODRIGUES. Roles of selenium in mineral plant nutrition: ROS scavenging responses against abiotic stresses. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, v. 164, p. 27-43, JUL 2021. Web of Science Citations: 0.