Microprobe-XRF Assessment of Nutrient Distribution in Soybean, Cowpea, and Kidney Bean Seeds: A Fabaceae Family Case Study

Author(s)

Montanha, Gabriel Sgarbiero ; Zachi Romeu, Sara Luiza ; Rodrigues Marques, Joao Paulo ; Rohr, Livia Araujo ; de Almeida, Eduardo ; dos Reis, Andre Rodrigues ; Linhares, Francisco Scaglia ; Sabatini, Sabrina ; Pereira de Carvalho, Hudson Wallace

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; v. 2, n. 6, p. 7-pg., 2022-12-05.

Abstract

The present study explored microprobe X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for quantitative and space-resolved distribution of macro, i.e., potassium (K), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and calcium (Ca), and micronutrients, i.e., iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) elemental composition in the cross-sectioned seeds of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds, which are important agricultural species within the Fabaceae family. It unveils that both macro and micronutrients were heterogeneously distributed across seed tissues. Most of the P and S, Fe, Zn, and Mn were mainly found at the embryo axis tissues in all three Fabaceae species, whereas K was spread along the cotyledon and Ca was mostly observed trapped at the seed coat region. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a strong spatial correlation between P and S, and K and S in cowpea and soybean seed tissues, whereas Zn and Mn association was also recorded. Therefore, the mu-XRF technique is an important tool for assessing seed nutrient distribution, thus subsidizing the physiological role of nutrients in seeds and fostering innovative approaches for nutrient supply and biofortification. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07721-9 - Time-resolved element mapping and characterization of storage proteins during soybean seeds development: a bottom-up strategy to increase protein content and quality
• Grantee: Gabriel Sgarbiero Montanha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/17967-8 - Soybean seed treatment with zinc: absorption and distribution during germination and seedling development evaluated by X-ray spectroscopy and relation with plant performance
• Grantee: Lívia Araújo Rohr
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 15/19121-8 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2015/05942-0: micro X-Ray Fluorescence system
• Grantee: Hudson Wallace Pereira de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program