Foliar Biofortification of Lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) With Iron, Zinc, and Selenium: Multi‐Environment Evaluation in Bangladesh

Abstract

ABSTRACT Micronutrient malnutrition remains a major global challenge, particularly in developing countries of South Asia, where diets are dominated by cereal‐based foods with low mineral content. Lentil is a nutrient‐rich legume with strong potential for biofortification to enhance dietary intake of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). This study evaluated the efficacy of agronomic biofortification in enhancing the micronutrient content and yield of lentils across three regions of Bangladesh (e.g., Gazipur, Ishurdi, and Jashore). A factorial randomized complete block design was employed using eight diverse lentil genotypes and eight foliar treatments (i.e., control, Fe, Zn, Se, Fe + Zn, Fe + Se, Zn + Se, Zn + Fe + Se). Foliar application of fertilizers containing Se, Zn, and Fe significantly enhanced the corresponding micronutrient concentrations in lentil seeds without affecting yield compared with the control treatment. Selenium concentration increased more than tenfold, whereas Zn and Fe concentrations increased by 61% and 29%, respectively. Zinc‐based treatments (Zn and Zn + Se) significantly increased plant height, pod number, 100‐seed weight, and yield (up to 11.3% higher than the control). Genotypes X96S/40‐50134‐12 and LRIL‐21‐109 exhibited superior responses in both yield and micronutrient accumulation, indicating strong genetic potential for future breeding programs to develop micronutrient‐rich lentil cultivars. Environmental effects were significant and consistent across the locations, suggesting stability of biofortification outcomes. The synergistic effects of Se with Zn and Fe enhance micronutrient concentration without reducing yield, demonstrating that foliar agronomic biofortification is an efficient, scalable, and location‐adaptable strategy for enhancing the nutritional quality of lentils.