Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential for humans and animals. Agronomic biofortification has been used to fertilize crops with these elements to improve the nutritional quality of food. Thus, this study evaluated the influence of applying Se and Zn via soil on nutrient content and tomato production. Two independent experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions with a completely randomized design each, wherein the treatments consisted of four doses of Se (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg dm−3, Na2SeO4) in experiment I and four doses of Zn (2, 4, 8, and 16 mg dm−3, ZnCl2) in experiment II. A control was added in each experiment where the elements were not applied. The supply of Se and Zn increased the levels of the respective elements in the shoots and fruits. The Se application contributed to the increase of nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) contents. However, doses above 100 μg dm−3 of Se demonstrated phytotoxic effects on plants. The Zn application reduced the phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and Fe content. The results showed that tomatoes can be biofortified with Se if this element is supplied at a low concentration (25 µg dm−3 of Se), contributing to adequate Se intake without reducing fruit yield. Regarding Zn, the current investigation suggests that new approaches should be studied to increase the nutrient content in tomato fruits.

Acesse o artigo diretamente em https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02281-7