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Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common disorder of humans in developing countries. The effect of Zn biofortification (via application of six rates of Zn fertilizer to soil) on Zn bioavailability in wheat grain and flour and its impacts on human health was evaluated. Zn bioavailability was estimated with a trivariate model that included Zn homeostasis in the human intestine. As the rate of Zn fertilization increased, the Zn concentration increased in all flour fractions, but the percentages of Zn in standard flour (25%) and bran (75%) relative to total grain Zn were constant. Phytic acid (PA) concentrations in grain and flours were unaffected by Zn biofortification. Zn bioavailability and the health impact, as indicated by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) saved, increased with the Zn application rate and were greater in standard and refined flour than in whole grain and coarse flour. The biofortified standard and refined flour obtained with application of 50 kg/ha ZnSO4·7H2O met the health requirement (3 mg of Zn obtained from 300 g of wheat flour) and reduced DALYs by >20%. Although Zn biofortification increased Zn bioavailability in standard and refined flour, it did not reduce the bioavailability of iron, manganese, or copper in wheat flour.

Zinc deficiency in rice, a staple food consumed by more than half of the world’s population, poses a major challenge to food safety and nutrition. In this study, the application of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was investigated as a sustainable strategy to solve this problem. The laboratory experiment on seed priming was conducted with four concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) over three soaking times (12, 18 and 24 h). The priming of 25 ppm ZnO nanoparticles (NP) over a 24-hour period resulted in the highest germination and best growth of the rice seedlings, as evidenced by increased shoot and seedling length and improved overall seedling vigor. The optimized priming treatment (25 ppm ZnO NPs for 24 h), combined with a foliar spray of 100 ppm ZnO NPs applied at the panicle emergence and grain filling stage, was evaluated under field conditions for its effects on plant growth, yield and zinc content in rice. Field trials showed that this integrated approach significantly increased grain yield, straw yield and zinc accumulation in both the grains and straw compared to conventional methods. Biochemical analyzes showed an increase in chlorophyll content, total protein content and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and POX), all of which correlated with improved plant development. Phytohormone profiling showed increased levels of gibberellic acid (GA₃), indoleacetic acid (IAA) and salicylic acid (SA), which contributed to improved vegetative and reproductive performance. In addition, the expression of key zinc transporter genes (OsZIP1.1, OsZIP3, OsNAAT1 and OsYSL14) was significantly modulated in root and flag leaf tissue, indicating improved zinc uptake, translocation and accumulation in the grain. This study highlights the potential of biogenic ZnO NPs as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for the biofortification of zinc in rice. It offers a novel solution to combat micronutrient deficiencies while improving plant productivity and nutritional quality.

Though rice is the predominant source of energy and micronutrients for more than half of the world population, it does not provide enough zinc (Zn) to match human nutritional requirements. Moreover, climate change, particularly rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, reduces the grain Zn concentration. Therefore, rice biofortification has been recognized as a key target to increase the grain Zn concentration to address global Zn malnutrition. Major bottlenecks for Zn biofortification in rice are identified as low Zn uptake, transport and loading into the grain; however, environmental and genetic contributions to grain Zn accumulation in rice have not been fully explored. In this review, we critically analyze the key genetic, physiological and environmental factors that determine Zn uptake, transport and utilization in rice. We also explore the genetic diversity of rice germplasm to develop new genetic tools for Zn biofortification. Lastly, we discuss the strategic use of Zn fertilizer for developing biofortified rice.

Nearly 100% of soils in Pakistan are deficient in nitrogen, while 75% are deficient in zinc, posing a major challenge to food security and contributing to widespread Zn malnutrition. Bulk use of conventional fertilizers results in nutrient wastage, low use efficiency, and environmental pollution. This glasshouse study evaluated the combined use of Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)-coated urea and a consortium of zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZnSB: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) for improving Zn-biofortification, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and yield of wheat. The study was conducted during the Rabi season 2021–22. Urea was coated with ZnONPs at rates of 100:0.5 (w/w) (0.5% ZnONPs-coated urea) and 100:1.5 (w/w) (1.5% ZnONPs-coated urea). Treatments included: T 1 (control), T 2 (uncoated urea; UC), T 3 (0.5% ZnONPs-coated urea), T 4 (1.5% ZnONPs-coated urea), T 5 (UC + 0.5% ZnONPs), T 6 (UC + 1.5% ZnONPs), T 7 (0.5% ZnONPs-coated urea + ZnSB), T 8 (1.5% ZnONPs-coated urea + ZnSB), and T 9 (1.5% ZnONPs-coated urea + ZnSB + 10 ppm ZnONPs foliar), following a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. T 9 significantly improved 1000-seed weight, grains spike⁻¹, grain yield, harvest index, and SPAD values by 33.6%, 50.3%, 74.2%, 27.9%, and 24.0%, respectively, over the control (α < 0.05). However, maximum tillering was observed in T 5 and T 6 . Grain Zn content increased by 30.95 %, 38.4% and 63.3% under T 7 and T 8 , T 9 respectively, over control. Nitrogen use efficiency metrics of coated-urea were significantly higher (α < 0.05) when applied in combination with ZnSB (T 7 and T 8 ), and were further enhanced by foliar ZnONPs supplementation (T 9 ), resulting in maximum agronomic efficiency (25.4 g/g), agro-physiological efficiency (48.8 g/g), nitrogen harvest index (82.8%), partial factor productivity (59.6 g/g), and apparent recovery efficiency (57.9%). These findings highlight that ZnONPs-coated urea, supplemented with ZnSB and foliar ZnONPs, enhances wheat productivity, NUE, and zinc biofortification, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization and a promising strategy to mitigate Zn malnutrition. However, further field trials are suggested to validate the results.

During the summer and rainy seasons (April-October) of 2020 and 2021, two consecutive field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. In this study, we examined the effects of summer green manuring crops (GM) and a variety of zinc fertilizers (ZnF) on Basmati rice ( Oryza sativa L.) growth, physiological development, yield response, zinc nutrition and economic returns. A combination of GM residues and nano zinc fertilization helped significantly enhancing Basmati rice’s growth and its physiological development. Following the incorporation of Sesbania aculeata (Sesbania), successive Basmati rice physiological parameters were significantly improved, as well as grain, straw, biological yields, harvest index and economic returns. The highest Zn content of 15.1 mg kg -1 and the lowest of 11.8 mg kg -1 in milled rice grain were recorded in Sesbania green manuring (G2) and control i.e., in the fallow (G1), respectively. Coating onto urea with 0.2% nano zinc oxide (NZnCU) was observed to be more effective than other zinc sources in terms of growth parameters, yield attributes, zinc nutrition, grain and straw yields for succeeding Basmati rice crop; however, the effects were comparable to those of bulk zinc oxide-coated urea (BZnCU) of 1%. The highest Zn content of 15.1 mg kg -1 was recorded with the application of 1% BZnCU and the lowest of 11.96 mg kg -1 with the soil application of 5 kg Zn ha -1 through bulk ZnO in the milled rice grain. Application of 1% BZnCU led to a 26.25% increase in Zn content of milled rice grain compared to soil application of 5 kg Zn ha -1 through bulk ZnO. As a result, the combination of inclusion of Sesbania aculeata ( Sesbania ) residue and 0.2% NZnCU was identified as the most effective treatment, for Basmati rice growth and physiological development. A combination of nano Zn fertilization in conjunction with the incorporation of green manure can be advocated for better growth, physiological performance, zinc dense grains, and higher profitability of Basmati rice for farmers and consumers.

Human zinc (Zn) deficiency is prevalent in areas where cereals dominate in the diet. Soil Zn application may enhance the concentration of Zn in wheat grains and dietary Zn intake by target populations. However, its value has never been practically quantified in Zn nutrition of any population group. We, therefore, studied farming families in rural Punjab (Pakistan). The selected adults (n = 156, grouped based on age and gender) were Zn undernourished (as assessed by estimated Zn bioavailability in their diet) and their plasma Zn levels also indicated Zn deficiency. On average, wheat consumption by the adults contributed about 68% in total Zn and 93% in total phytate intakes. Soil Zn application to wheat fields significantly increased Zn and decreased phytate concentration in chapati (flatbread made of whole-wheat flour). From dietary phytate intakes by the adults, we calculated desired chapati Zn concentration and dietary Zn intake that would meet their daily Zn requirement. The physiological Zn requirements of adult women and men were estimated to be achieved by intake of, respectively, 10.4–15.3 mg Zn d−1 (37–46 mg Zn kg−1 in chapati) and 14.4–23.3 mg Zn d−1 (41–52 mg Zn kg−1 in chapati). It was evident that soil Zn application aiming at optimum grain yield of wheat significantly improved Zn nutrition of the studied adults, but not up to desired levels. High Zn applications (via soil and/or foliage) to wheat and growing cultivars specifically selected for Zn biofortification may be needed to optimise Zn nutrition in rural Pakistan.

Aim: To investigate the field efficacy of foliar applied Zn at variable doses and time of application for enriching Zn concentration in different milling fractions of wheat grain and Zn loading capacity of different grain milling fractions. Methodology: A field experiment was carried out involving four graded Zn sprays (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%) with water-spray as control, applied at flowering stage of wheat crop at weekly intervals.Harvested wheat grains were pearled into nine fractions from the surface to the center using two rice polishers (JNMJ7 and JNMJ6). The rice polishers were able to separate the wheat grain fractions. Zinc concentration in the whole grain and grain fractions (layer 1 to layer 9) of wheat samples were digested with di-acid mixture and estimated on an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: Foliar application of Zn (0.3-0.4% Zn) at 14 or 21 days after flowering (DAF) increased Zn in whole grain by 15.3-17.0 mg kg-1 (p < 0.05). Zn spray enhanced Zn concentration in all the grain layers i.e. 1st to 9th layers (L), albeit in endosperm layers (L3-L8) by a maximum of 10.8 mg kg-1. However, Zn loading capacity differed in different fractions and was in the order L8>L6>L7>L5≥ L4≥L3 (p < 0.05). Interpretation: Foliar spray of Zn in wheat with optimum dose (0.3-0.4%) and time (14-21 DAF) can enhance Zn acquisition and loading to grain endosperm with a higher yield. Key words: Foliar spray, Grain yield, Wheat, Zinc biofortification

Zinc (Zn) is a crucial micronutrient essential for the growth and development of crops. Recently, there has been growing interest in harnessing its benefits through the application of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) as an alternative to conventional fertilizers. Different types of ZnO NPs were synthesized in the laboratory by a co-precipitation method using different precursor metal (Zn(NO3)2 for ZnO-1 and ZnSO4 for ZnO-2) and sources of hydroxyl groups (NaOH for ZnO-1 and NH4OH for ZnO-2) or by a sol–gel method, using ZnC4H6O4 (ZnO-3) or ZnSO4 (ZnO-4) as precursor metal. This study focused on the effect of these Zn sources on the impact on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation under acidic and Zn-deficient soil conditions. The efficacy of these Zn sources was evaluated by measuring the lettuce fresh weight, the stem diameter, the Zn concentrations in young leaves and mature leaves, the photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll and carotenoid), and the overall Zn status in the soil and soil pore water. The ZnO NPs with particle sizes of 76–104 nm positively affected the stem thickness (with an increase of up to 1.4 times that of the control) and crop biofortification with Zn (up to 3.2 and 12.6 times the Zn in young leaf and mature leaf, compared to the control). The smaller ZnO NPs (ZnO-1 and ZnO-3) showed the highest concentrations of bioavailable Zn and Zn in pore water at the end of the cultivation period (with an average increase of 41% compared to larger sources), resulting in high biofortification levels in both mature and young leaves. Peak concentrations of dissolved Zn in soil pore water were observed at 18 days after planting, followed by a decline attributed to the retention of Zn in more insoluble forms in the soil. The difference in Zn concentration between mature leaves and young leaves indicated its limited mobility in the plant, with more Zn accumulating in mature leaves.

Zinc (Zn) is a critical micronutrient that synergizes nutrient use efficiency, and improves plant growth and human health. Low Zn bioavailability in soils affects produce quality and agricultural productivity worldwide ultimately inducing deficiency in humans and animals. Zn deficiency is a leading cause of malnutrition in underdeveloped countries where a widespread population depends upon staple cereals for daily intake of calories. Modern cereal cultivars are inherently low in Zn, eventually, plants need to be enriched with soil application of ZnSO 4 , but due to higher fixation losses, it becomes an inefficient source. Rhizosphere microbiome contains Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) that improve Zn bioavailability, thus increase the root function, Zn uptake, and plant growth. Niha Corp developed a hybrid process of bioactive nutrient fortified fertilizer (BNFF), which has been used to formulate Zabardast Urea (ZU) by coating bioactive Zn (BAZ) and ZSB on urea. Data obtained for 15 wheat varieties from 119 farmer field demonstration plots and eight replicated trials on 42 locations across multi-environment conditions conclude that ZU significantly improved the plant biomass and yield by 12% over non-Zn control and produced grains with 57 μg/g Zn contents, which can meet a major part of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of humans. The study recommends that this microbe-mediated hybrid invention (ZU) is a feasible approach to boost Zn bioavailability and Zn use efficiency, with enhanced yield and quality that may contribute to improve human health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first wide-scale field testing of Zn enrichment in the grains of bread wheat using an innovative BNFF Urea Z technology.