Distribution of micronutrients in Arborg oat (Avena sativa L.) using synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging

[Display omitted] •Using X-ray fluorescence imaging determines intensity and distribution of micronutrients in oat.•Calcium and Manganese were mainly localized in aleurone layer and scutellum.•Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Copper, and Zinc were mainly accumulated in aleurone layer and embryo.•The intensities of Sulfur and Copper were highest in the nucellar projection of crease region. It is important to know the mineral distribution in cereal grains for nutritional improvement or genetic biofortification. Distributions and intensities of micro-elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and macro-elements (P, S, K and Ca) in Arborg oat were investigated using synchrotron-based on X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI). Arborg oat provided by the Crop Development Center (CDC, Aaron Beattie) of the University of Saskatchewan for 2D X-ray fluorescence scans were measured at the BioXAS-Imaging beamline at the Canadian Light Source. The results show that the Ca and Mn were mainly localized in the aleurone layer and scutellum. P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn were mainly accumulated in the aleurone layer and embryo. Particularly the intensities of P, K, Cu, and Zn in the scutellum were higher compared to other areas. S was also distributed in each tissue and its abundance in the sub-aleurone was the highest. In addition, the intensities of S and Cu were highest in the nucellar projection of the crease region. All these elements were also found in the pericarp but they were at lower levels than other tissues. Overall, the details of these experimental results can provide important information for micronutrient biofortification and processing strategies on oat through elemental mapping in Arborg oat.