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Impact of Selenium Seed Priming on Emergence Rate, Selenium Accumulation, and Phytochemical Profile of Pea Microgreens
1 , 1, 2 , * 1, 3
1  CIMO, LA SusTEC, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
2  Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
3  Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Rua dos Lágidos, Lugar da Madalena, 4485-655 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
Academic Editor: Dariusz Dziki

Abstract:

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, playing a crucial role in antioxidant defense and immune regulation as a key component of enzymes and proteins [1]. Although not essential for plants, small amounts of Se can benefit some species by improving their tolerance to environmental stresses [2]. Plants cultivated in Se-deficient soils naturally exhibited low Se levels, a concern expected to intensify with climate change. By the end of the century, 66% of croplands—including significant areas in Europe—are expected to face Se depletion [3], potentially exacerbating dietary deficiencies that already affect up to 1 billion people worldwide [3]. To counteract this, the use of Se-containing fertilizers has been proposed as a possible solution. This study explored the biofortification of pea (Pisum sativum L.) microgreens through Se seed priming, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique that enhances germination uniformity and seedling vigor. Seeds underwent nutripriming with sodium selenate (25–100 µM Se) for 6 and 12 h, with hydroprimed and unprimed seeds serving as controls. After treatment, one batch of seeds was analyzed for electrolyte leakage, while another was sown to evaluate germination dynamics and biomass accumulation. Upon harvest, Se content was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy, alongside analyses of chlorophylls, soluble sugars, organic acids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity [4-5]. The results showed that Se nutripriming improved membrane integrity by reducing electrolyte leakage in pea seeds. The treatment influenced the emergence and growth of microgreens. The 6 h priming treatment led to superior agronomic performance and biomass accumulation compared to the 12 h treatment, though unprimed seeds exhibited the highest emergence rate and consequent biomass production. Nonetheless, nutripriming increased Se concentration in microgreens. These findings underscore the need to optimize priming protocols to enhance both seedling emergence and Se uptake, offering a sustainable strategy for developing Se-biofortified crops to address global nutritional deficiencies in the context of climate change.

Keywords: Biofortification; Seed Priming; Microgreens; Functional Foods; Food Security.

 
 
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