Biofortification of Lettuce and Basil Seedlings to Produce Selenium Enriched Leafy Vegetables

Selenium (Se) biofortification of plants has been recognized as a good strategy to improve the nutritive value vegetables and increase Se daily intake in humans. Identifying most appropriate method enrich is key issue process. We tested technique that produces enriched seedlings for transplant, yet barely modifies conventional cultivation techniques. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum were exposed selenium by adding 0, 1 3 mg L?1 (lettuce) 2 (basil) Se, sodium selenate, growing substrate immediately after sowing. When reached an size, they transplanted into open field, grown until maturity. accumulated without any reduction leaf biomass at The highest dose induced higher antioxidant capacity flavonoid content both species sampling times. At maturity, biofortified still showed compared control, would be able provide from 10% 17% 9% 12% adequate (AI) Se.