BIOFORTIFICATION OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS WITH SELENIUM

Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring element, structurally resembling with Sulphur, lying in group 6 of the periodic table. It is an essential micronutrient, required for proper functioning of many biological processes like hormone formation, immune system, hair growth, muscular movements and reproduction and helps in defense against many diseases like viral infections, Keshan’s diseases and arthritis, as it is important component of selenoproteins and enzymes like glutathione peroxidase. Low selenium level in human body can lead to various diseases and disorders. To fulfill selenium dietary intake, selenium enriched diet is necessary. Plants are the main source of human diet. Plants are fortified with selenium by adding different forms of selenium through different methods. They uptake or absorb selenium through Sulphur assimilation pathway and store it into the tissues in either organic or inorganic form. Till now much research has been carried out in production of se-fortified crops. This review paper is aimed at reviewing recent studies which have been done on biofortification of horticultural plants with selenium, like fruits and vegetables, which contribute a major portion of human diet.