Paper Title
Biofortification in Rice Grains VIS-A-VIS Zinc and Nitrogen Fertilization
Abstract
The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of increasing soil N supply, and method and timing of Zn
application on concentrations and bioavailability of zinc in different rice grain fractions. Grain zinc concentration was
greatly enhanced by increasing soil N supply when sufficient Zn was available to the plants through soil Zn application or
foliar spray at milking stage. Increasing N supply progressively decreased grain phytate concentration and increased protein
concentrationin rice grains. Foliar Zn application at milking stage significantly enhanced Zn concentration while that at
panicle initiation stage produced non significant effect. Soil Zn application also significantly increased grain Zn
concentration. Conclusively, a proper combination of N and Zn applications could prove to be a powerful tool for zinc
biofortification in rice grains.
Index Terms—bioavailability, biofortification, nitrogen, rice, zinc