Effect of selenium application on mineral macro- and micronutrients and antioxidant status in strawberries

The application of selenium (Se) as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) at 0, 2, and 4 mg L-1 concentrations in nutrient solution to strawberry plants was evaluated. Selenium did not modify the dry weights of the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, or the fresh weights of the stems and fruits. The 4 mg L-1 concentration caused decreases in the fresh weights of the roots and leaves and in the yield. The mineral content of different plant organs changed but was not adversely affected by Se applications, with the 2 mg L-1 treatment having a lower impact on mineral concentration variation, as well as temporary positive effects on the fruits’ antioxidant status. The fruit pH was not adversely affected by application of Se. Se application in nutrient solution proved to be an adequate technique to increase the Se content in all plant organs. Se concentration exhibited a differential distribution, with the highest levels in the roots, followed by the leaves and crowns; the fruits had the lowest levels, reaching an average concentration of 31.2 mg kg-1 of dry weight. By contrast, fruits from the untreated plants obtained an average concentration of only 6.35 mg kg-1, with no decreases in the concentrations of other mineral elements in treated plants.