Uncoupling of sodium and chloride to assist breeding for salinity tolerance in crops.

The separation of toxic effects of sodium (Na(+)) and chloride (Cl(-)) by the current methods of mixed salts and subsequent determination of their relevance to breeding has been problematic. We report a novel method (Na(+) humate) to study the ionic effects of Na(+) toxicity without interference from Cl(-), and ionic and osmotic effects when combined with salinity (NaCl). Three cereal species (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum ssp.

The effect of selenium, as selenomethionine, on genome stability and cytotoxicity in human lymphocytes measured using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay.

A supranutritional intake of selenium (Se) may be required for cancer prevention, but an excessively high dose could be toxic. Therefore, the effect on genome stability of seleno-L-methionine (Se-met), the most important dietary form of Se, was measured to determine its bioefficacy and safety limit. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from six volunteers and cultured with medium supplemented with Se-met in a series of Se concentrations (3, 31, 125, 430, 1880 and 3850 microg Se/litre) while keeping the total methionine (i.

How to use the world's scarce selenium resources efficiently to increase the selenium concentration in food.

The world's rare selenium resources need to be managed carefully. Selenium is extracted as a by-product of copper mining and there are no deposits that can be mined for selenium alone. Selenium has unique properties as a semi-conductor, making it of special value to industry, but it is also an essential nutrient for humans and animals and may promote plant growth and quality.

Selenium in Australia: selenium status and biofortification of wheat for better health.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, but is deficient in at least a billion people worldwide. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major dietary source of Se.

Exploiting genotypic variation in plant nutrient accumulation to alleviate micronutrient deficiency in populations.

More than 2 billion people consume diets that are less diverse than 30 years ago, leading to deficiencies in micronutrients, especially iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iodine (I), and also vitamin A. A strategy that exploits genetic variability to breed staple crops with enhanced ability to fortify themselves with micronutrients (genetic biofortification) offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional supplementation and fortification programs. This is more likely to reach those most in need, has the added advantages of requiring no change in current consumer behaviour to be effective, and is transportable to a range of countries.

Selenium distribution in wheat grain, and the effect of postharvest processing on wheat selenium content.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans, and wheat is a major dietary source of this element. It is important that postharvest processing losses of grain Se are minimized. This study, using grain dissection, milling with a Quadrumat mill, and baking and toasting studies, investigated the distribution of Se and other mineral nutrients in wheat grain and the effect of postharvest processing on their retention.

Exploiting micronutrient interaction to optimize biofortification programs: the case for inclusion of selenium and iodine in the HarvestPlus program.

Biofortification of staple food crops with micronutrients by either breeding for higher uptake efficiency or fertilization can be an effective strategy to address widespread dietary deficiency in human populations. Selenium and iodine deficiencies affect a large proportion of the population in countries targeted for biofortification of staple crops with Zn, Fe, and vitamin A, and inclusion of Se and I would be likely to enhance the success of these programs. Interactions between Se and I in the thyroid gland are well established.

Trends in selenium status of South Australians.

Objective: To assess trends in selenium status in South Australians from 1977 to 2002.

Design: Six cross-sectional surveys.

Participants: 117 participants in 1977, 30 in 1979, 96 and 103 (separate surveys) in 1987, 200 in 1988, and 288 volunteer blood donors in 2002.