Biofortification with selenium and iodine changes morphological properties of Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) and increases their contents in tubers

Abstract

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes L.) was biofortified with selenium (Se), as selenite and selenate, and iodine (I), as iodide and iodate, and their combinations through foliar spraying, to study absorption of these elements by the plants, separately and in combination. The effects on selected physiological and morphological traits and optical characteristics were monitored. Treatments with Se positively affected total chlorophylls and carotenoids, and leaf stomata dimensions. Addition of I decreased total chlorophylls and increased anthocyanins. In reflectance spectra of the leaves, specific colour regions differed significantly due to the different treatments. Reflectance in the UV correlated positively with Se and I contents of the leaves, which indicated lower demand for production of phenolic compounds. Differences in reflectance in UV part of the spectra could be a consequence of changes in the cuticle. The Se and I levels increased markedly in leaves and tubers, without loss of biomass or yield. Se had antagonistic effects on accumulation of I in leaves. The similar levels of Se and I in the leaves and tubers suggest that the transport of both elements in these plants occurs from the leaves to the tubers through the phloem. According to the Se and I contents in the kohlrabi tubers, biofortification with both elements simultaneously is feasible for human nutrition.

Keywords: B. oleracea var. gongylodes; Iodine; Kohlrabi; Light reflectance; Optical characteristics; Selenium.