Growth and physiological responses of cabbage cultivars biofortified with inorganic selenium fertilizers

•Low concentrations of selenium sources are sufficient to biofortify and increase head dry mass and yield of cabbage.•The concentration of 5 μM Se was sufficient to increase the length, diameter, area, and density of roots.•Low selenium concentrations improved photosynthetic parameters in cabbage plants.•Selenite is recommended as safest and most efficient to the agronomic biofortification of cabbage . Selenium (Se) is essential for humans and animals. Problems associated with Se deficiency in the population diets is spread throughout the world and its related to low Se concentration in the foods. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different sources and Se concentration on agronomic biofortification of cabbage and its effects on nutritional and photosynthetic parameters. Two cabbage cultivars were treated with five Se concentrations (0, 5, 15, 30 and 60 μM) and two sources (selenate and selenite). The concentration of Se in the cabbage heads increased continuously up to 60 μM, but with no effect on the N, P and S concentrations. At low Se concentration (5 μM), there was an increase in the net photosynthesis, stomata conductance, intern carbon concentration and transpiration, besides increases in photosynthetic pigment levels, which led to an increase of over 100% in head dry mass and yield. The cultivars responded differently to the treatments, but both were highlighting the efficiency of Se fertilization in the heads. Both chemical forms of Se can be used at low concentrations (5 and 15 μM) for the agronomic biofortification of cabbage, however, selenite demonstrated to be most efficient.