Agronomic Bio-Fortification of Wheat to Combat Zinc Deficiency in Developing Countries | [Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research • 2021]

Author(s):

1. Muhammad Umair Hassan: Research Center on Ecological Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University,Nanchang, 330045,China

2. Muhammad Aamer: Research Center on Ecological Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University,Nanchang, 330045,China

3. Muhammad Nawaz: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology,Rahim Yar Khan 64200,Pakistan

4. Abdul Rehman: Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38040,Pakistan

5. Talha Aslam: Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38040,Pakistan

6. Ubaid Afzal: Department of Botany, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38040,Pakistan

7. Bilal Ahmad Shahzad: Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38040,Pakistan

8. Muhammad Ahsin Ayub: Rice Research Station,Bahawalnagar, 62031,Pakistan

9. Faryal Ahmed: Research Center on Ecological Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University,Nanchang, 330045,China

10. Ma Qiaoying: Research Center on Ecological Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University,Nanchang, 330045,China

11. Su Qitao: Research Center on Ecological Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University,Nanchang, 330045,China

12. Huang Guoqin: Research Center on Ecological Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University,Nanchang, 330045,China

Abstract:

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is well reported problem around the globe causing severe reduction in crop yield and quality. The intake of inadequate foods low in Zn is the major cause of Zn deficiency in humans, especially in developing countries. The deficiency of Zn causes many irregularties in both plants and humans. hTe Zn deficiency considerably reduced the plant growth, tillers production, chlorophyll synthesis, and crop yield. Moreover, in the case of humans' Zn deficiency causes blindness, lower intelligence quotient (IQ) levels, weaker immune system, and impaired physical and mental development. Wheat crop play a chief role in daily food requirement and calories need in developing countries, however, inherently wheat has lower Zn contents. Moreover, soil Zn deficiency further increasing the problem of low Zn contents in wheat grain. hTus, the finest way to combat the Zn deficiency is to produce the grains of wheat having desirable Zn contents at farmer's field. The breeding and agronomic (fertilizer application) bio-fortification approaches are important ones to increase Zn concentration in wheat grains up to desirable levels. The genetic techniques are costly, and sustainable, however, they are long term and requires large breeding activities and resources. Conversely, agronomic techniques appear to be short term, quick and economic solution to increase the Zn contents to meet human needs. The application of Zn as foliar sprays, seed priming, soil application and soil+foliar application effectively enhanced Zn uptake and grain Zn contents. Zn fertilization also maintains desirable Zn availability in soil solution and maintains the Zn pools in plant tissues during later stages thus resulting in an increase in Zn accumulation in wheat grains. Therefore, in this review, we discussed roles of Zn in plants and humans and possible strategies to combat Zn deficiency in humans. Additionally, challenges for agronomic and breeding strategies and possible benefits of both these strategies also discussed in this review.

Page(s): 201-217

DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjar/2021/34.1.201.217

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume: 34, Issue: 1, Year: 2021

Keywords:

Wheat , breeding , fertilizer application , Humans health , Zn deficiency , Biofortification

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