ZINC BIOFORTIFICATION IMPROVES YIELD, NUTRACEUTICAL QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN LETTUCE

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Zinc (Zn) is an important element in human health and is consumed through foods of animal origin. However, the biofortification of plants with Zn can be a strategy for the consumption of this micronutrient and to increase the morphology, physiology, and plant yield. <strong>Objective:</strong> Quantify the effect of Zn application on yield, nutraceutical quality and antioxidant activity of lettuce. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Foliar application of ZnSO<sub>4 </sub>(0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM L<sup>-1</sup>) on lettuce plants was made. Yield, nutraceutical quality and the concentration of Zn in the plant tissue was determinate. <strong>Results:</strong> The optimum Zn dose that maximized yield and nutraceutical quality, as well as the recommended consumption concentration in lettuce in this study was 75 µM L<sup>-1</sup> (ZnSO<sub>4</sub>). <strong>Implications: </strong>Higher doses of Zn decreased bioactive compound biosynthesis. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Zn biofortification is an alternative to increase phytochemical compound biosynthesis and yield with the possibility of improving public health.</p>