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Zinc and Selenium Biofortification Modulates Photosynthetic Performance: A Screening of Four Brassica Microgreens
Microgreens, having short growth cycles and efficient nutrient uptake, are ideal candidates for biofortification. This study investigated the effects of se
Martina Šrajer Gajdošik, Vesna Peršić, Anja Melnjak, Doria Ban, Ivna Štolfa Čamagajevac, Zdenko Lončarić, Lidija Kalinić, Selma Mlinarić
Agronomy · 2025 · https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081760
Abstract
Microgreens, having short growth cycles and efficient nutrient uptake, are ideal candidates for biofortification. This study investigated the effects of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) on photosynthetic performance in four hydroponically grown Brassica microgreens (broccoli, pak choi, kohlrabi, and kale), using direct and modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll-to-carotenoid ratios (Chl/Car). The plants were treated with Na2SeO4 at 0 (control), 2, 5, and 10 mg/L or ZnSO4 × 7H2O at 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 mg/L. The results showed species-specific responses with Se or Zn uptake. Selenium enhanced photosynthetic efficiency in a dose-dependent manner for most species (8–26% on average compared to controls). It increased the plant performance index (PItot), particularly in pak choi (+62%), by improving both primary photochemistry and inter-photosystem energy transfer. Kale and kohlrabi exhibited high PSII-PSI connectivity for efficient energy distribution, with increased cyclic electron flow around PSI and reduced Chl/Car up to 8.5%, while broccoli was the least responsive. Zinc induced variable responses, reducing PItot at lower doses (19–23% average decline), with partial recovery at 20 mg/L (9% average reduction). Broccoli exhibited higher susceptibility, with inhibited QA re-oxidation, low electron turnover due to donor-side restrictions, and increased pigment ratio (+3.6%). Kohlrabi and pak choi tolerated moderate Zn levels by redirecting electron flow, but higher Zn levels impaired PSII and PSI function. Kale showed the highest tolerance, maintaining stable photochemical parameters and total electron flow, with increased pigment ratio (+4.5%) indicating better acclimation. These results highlight the beneficial stimulant role of Se and the dual essential/toxic nature of Zn, thus emphasizing genotype and dose-specific optimizations for effective biofortification.
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How to credit this work
Martina Šrajer Gajdošik; Vesna Peršić; Anja Melnjak; Doria Ban; Ivna Štolfa Čamagajevac; Zdenko Lončarić; Lidija Kalinić; Selma Mlinarić (2025). Zinc and Selenium Biofortification Modulates Photosynthetic Performance: A Screening of Four Brassica Microgreens. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081760 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Broccoli microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Kale microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Kohlrabi microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: Broccoli microgreens and sulforaphane what the research shows
- Related reading: Solanaceae lectins and alkaloids the compounds that make some microgreens toxic
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