Improving the quality of wheat grain protein and amino acids contents by zinc biofortification

Wheat has a special role in providing the required energy and protein of people in the developing countries like Iran. Wheat is confronted with nutritional limitations such as little zinc (Zn) and low biological value of protein, which results in hidden hunger and malnutrition. This research was conducted to study the effect of Zn bio-fortification on wheat protein and amino acids contents in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were non-using Zn sulfate (control and/or Zn deficient stress) and the use of Zn sulfate (spraying 0.5 g/L at stem elongation and 2 g/L at grain filling stages). The results indicated that in Zn treatment, the amino acids contents, total Lysine and Threonine were increased that resulted in higher grain protein content and Zn concentration in compared to Zn deficient stress. It can be concluded that Zn foliar application could alleviate malnutrition by increasing grain Zn content and protein under Zn deficient stress. Therefore, fertilizer strategy (e.g., agronomic bio-fortification) appears as shortterm solution to alleviate malnutrition problem.

Zinc application; Bio-fortification; Amino acids; Protein; Bread wheat