Initial analysis of the effect of nanoparticles on biofortification in maize within the framework of GO BIODIF

One of the objectives of the GO BIODIF project is to study the effect of fortification with calcium and calcium-zinc nanoparticles on the nutritional composition of maize grain. To this end, an assay has been designed to evaluate whether the application of nanoparticles has these properties. The study, which is part of a sustainable biofortification strategy, is being carried out at the Biological Mission of Galicia (MBG-CSIC).

To this end, a factorial experiment was designed using two maize varieties (Oubiña Negro and Tuy) with three replicates. Oubiña Negro is a semi-smooth black variety with good yield and a slightly late maturity. The Tuy variety, on the other hand, is a smooth yellow variety with good yield and a mid-cycle maturity. Each replicate consisted of three treatments (control, calcium nanoparticles, and calcium + zinc nanoparticles) applied at three different times: i) at flowering, ii) at flowering and 10 days after application, and iii) at flowering, 10 days, and 20 days after flowering.

The trial began on May 8th with sowing in the Espaller plot at the Biological Mission of Galicia. Treatments were applied in July and August, coinciding with the flowering date of each variety. One week after each treatment, an optical sensor (Dualex) was used to measure leaf content of flavonoids, anthocyanins, chlorophyll, and nitrogen balance index. Agronomic characteristics such as flowering percentage, plant height, subjective appearance of the plot, grain moisture, and harvest yield were also measured.

Subsequently, on October 3rd, the harvest took place and grain samples were taken for nutritional analysis using NIR spectroscopy and for their potential use in breadmaking by Da Cunha. Samples of crop residue were also taken to analyze for fortification in these residues using NIR spectroscopy.