Agronomic Biofortification with Iron and Zinc on Yield and Quality of Oat Grains for the Validation of a Potential Resource for Nutritional Security

Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop a management proposal for biofortification of oat crops with iron and zinc by foliar application and validate the technology by analyzing indicators of yield and industrial and chemical quality of grains. Method/design/approach: The experiment was carried out in Augusto Pestana, RS, in 2020 and 2021. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, in a 3×5 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of applications of zinc sulfate, iron sulfate, and zinc sulfate + iron sulfate at rates of 0, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 g ha-1. Indicators of yield and industrial and chemical quality of oat grains were analyzed. Results and conclusion: The agronomic biofortification with iron and zinc by foliar application at the grain filling stage does not affect yield and industrial and chemical quality of oat grains. Zinc biofortification with sulfate sources promotes increases in zinc contents in oat caryopses, however, with a decrease in iron contents. Iron biofortification with sulfate sources increases iron contents in the oat caryopsis, however, with a decrease in zinc contents. Originality/value: The lack of iron and zinc in foods is a major public health problem worldwide. This study makes a great contribution to validate the technology for biofortification of oat grains with iron and zinc, ensuring food and nutritional security for the population.