Evaluation of the optimal dose of SeO₂ in leaf gas exchange factors of hydroponically grown Taraxacum officinale

Micronutrient biofortification can be considered as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy, with a wide range of applications in various crops, aiming to enhance their nutritional status.
Although considering the nutritional value of a number of plant species classified under the category of underutilized leafy vegetables, a lack of such applications has been observed in these corresponding species.
Wild leafy greens are well known not only for their nutritional value but also for their adaptability to adverse climatic conditions.
A factor that must be considered during biofortification is the concentration of the provided trace elements in the edible part of the plant since there is a risk of over-intake and toxicity.
For this reason, it is imperative to control both the added dose of each trace element as well as its concentration in the edible part of the plant, thus ensuring a high level of protection for the consumer.
The aim of the present study is to examine the impact of different doses of selenium dioxide (SeO₂) on the photosynthetic capacity of the hydroponically cultivated wild leafy green Taraxacum officinale. The supply of SeO₂ in three doses (0, 1, 2, 4 μmol L^‑1) was conducted by incorporating it into the nutrient solution, while for the light response curves of the photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci), the youngest fully expanded leaves were placed inside the chamber of a portable photosynthesis system and irradiated with different levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR): 0, 87, 348, 696, and 1044 µmol m^‑2 s^‑1. Increasing Se dose did not significantly affect any leaf gas exchange parameters.
Therefore, it can be concluded that Taraxacum officinale has a remarkable resilience to both mild and severe concentrations of selenium without any adverse effects on its photosynthetic capacity.
The findings of the present study could be useful for future research on the biofortification of underutilized crops and the potential impact of this approach for improving global nutrition.

I International Symposium on Protected Cultivation, Nettings and Screens for Mild Climates

G.P. Spyrou, T. Ntanasi, I. Karavidas, E. Giannothanasis, B.B. Consentino, L. Sabatino, A. Karkanis, C. Saitanis, D. Savvas, G. Ntatsi

biofortification, greenhouse, malnutrition, soilless culture, underutilized crops

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1437.29