ZINC BIOFORTIFICATION IMPROVES YIELD, NUTRACEUTICAL QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN LETTUCE

Background: Zinc (Zn) is an important element in human health and is consumed through foods of animal origin. However, the biofortification of plants with Zn can be a strategy for the consumption of this micronutrient and to increase the morphology, physiology, and plant yield. Objective: Quantify the effect of Zn application on yield, nutraceutical quality and antioxidant activity of lettuce. Methodology: Foliar application of ZnSO4 (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM L-1) on lettuce plants was made. Yield, nutraceutical quality and the concentration of Zn in the plant tissue was determinate. Results: The optimum Zn dose that maximized yield and nutraceutical quality, as well as the recommended consumption concentration in lettuce in this study was 75 µM L-1 (ZnSO4). Implications: Higher doses of Zn decreased bioactive compound biosynthesis. Conclusion: Zn biofortification is an alternative to increase phytochemical compound biosynthesis and yield with the possibility of improving public health.