Increasing grain selenium concentration via genetic and agronomic innovations

Aims To evaluate the potential to enhance grain Selenium (Se) concentration in wheat through agronomic innovation practices and exploitation of existing genetic variation. Methods Grain samples from field experiments carried out as part of the EU projects Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE-CROPS), Healthy Minor Cereals (HMC) and Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) were analysed to identify the effects of wheat species/variety, fertiliser type and crop protection regime on grain yield, grain protein and selenium concentrations. Results Fertiliser type significantly affected grain Se concentration. In the NUE-CROPS and QLIF trials the use of farm-yard manure (FYM) resulted in significantly higher grain Se concentration when compared with mineral fertiliser applied at the same N input level. Similarly, in the HMC trial, FYM and cattle slurry resulted in a significantly higher grain Se concentration compared with biogas digestate and mineral fertiliser. In the QLIF trials, organic crop protection resulted in significantly higher grain Se concentration when compared with conventional crop protection. The NUE-CROPS and HMC trials detected significant differences between varieties of both common wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) and spelt ( T. spelta ). Correlation analyses across the trials identified a negative correlation between yield and grain Se concentration for spelt and positive correlation between plant height and Se concentration for both species. Conclusions Higher Se concentrations in the taller spelt varieties suggest that there is considerable potential to breed/select for high grain Se by exploiting traits/genetic variation present in older, traditional wheat species (e.g. spelt).