Effect of Saline Irrigation Water Composition on Selenium Accumulation by Wheat

Trace amounts of selenium (Se) are essential for animal and human nutrition. However, the optimum concentration range is very narrow and outside of this range deficiencies or toxicities can occur. Potentially harmful levels of Se in soils and irrigation waters have been reported in regions where salinity is also a hazard. This study was conducted to determine the effects of irrigation water composition and salinity level on Se accumulation in leaves and grain of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. 'Yecora Rojo'). Plants were grown in greenhouse sand cultures and irrigated with complete nutrient solution. Salinity treatments were initiated 4 days after planting by irrigating the seedlings with either chloride-dominated waters or with waters containing both chloride and sulfate salts. Compositions of the mixed salt waters were designed to simulate saline drainage waters commonly present in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with two salinity