Selenium Biofortification with Se-Enriched Urea and Se-Enriched Ammonium Sulfate Fertilization in Different Common Bean Genotypes

Abstract

Common beans are an essential food source worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and are grown in soils poor in selenium (Se), a mineral essential for human health. Adding Se to fertilizers is a promising technique; however, more studies are needed on the efficacy of this technique on common beans. This study aimed to evaluate the biofortification utilizing Se-enriched nitrogen fertilizers on common bean seeds’ agronomic, physiological, and nutritional characteristics. The pot experiment used a randomized block design with five treatments (urea, Se-enriched urea, ammonium sulfate, Se-enriched ammonium sulfate, and without N and Se), four genotypes (BRS Cometa, BRS Estilo, BRSMG Madrepérola and Pérola), and three replicates. The highest seed yield was 28.31 g pot−1 with Pérola genotype fertilized Se-enriched ammonium sulfate. Photosynthetic rates ranged from 30.37 to 39.06 µmol m−2 s−1 for Pérola and BRSMG Madrepérola, both with Se-enriched ammonium sulfate. The highest seed Se concentration was 11.17 µg g−1, with BRSMG Madrepérola fertilized with Se-enriched urea being 22.02%, 17.64%, and 22.47% higher than BRS Cometa, BRS Estilo, and Pérola, respectively. Se-enriched nitrogen fertilizers boost seed yield and alter physiological responses based on genotypes and Se-fertilizer interactions. Se-enriched fertilizers applied to soil can increase the Se concentration in common beans.