Biofortificação agronômica do GERGELIM (Sesamum indicum L.) a partir da adubação com zinco

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), belonging to the Pedaliaceae family, is one of the oldest and most widely used oilseed plants by humanity. This study aimed to evaluate zinc accumulation and physiological parameters in sesame plants subjected to agronomic biofortification through zinc fertilization management. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments consisting of different zinc levels (1.03, 2.06, 3.09, 4.12, and 5.15 mg dm⁻³) and four replications. The analyzed variables included zinc concentration in plant organs, chlorophyll content, CO₂ concentration, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, and net CO₂ assimilation. The application of increasing zinc doses directly benefits the production of photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll "a". Adequate zinc doses enhance photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal opening, and carbon assimilation. Among the studied sesame plant organs, the roots were identified as the main zinc accumulation site, while the grains directly benefit from its redistribution. The results confirm the effectiveness of agronomic biofortification of sesame, particularly in increasing zinc accumulation in grains to improve their nutritional quality