Coriander Biofortified With Zinc Through Soil And Foliar Fertilization

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for both plants and humans. Biofortifying Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander), a leafy vegetable with edible leaves, is essential to increase the availability of Zn for human consumption. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological variables of coriander biofortified with different doses of zinc. Coriander plants were subjected to different doses of Zn, with soil application dosages of 0.0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 300 kg ha-1, and foliar application dosages of 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 kg ha-1. Growth variables, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, nitrogenous compounds, and phenols were analyzed. Results indicated that coriander responded differently to Zn fertilization: soil application of 300 kg ha-1 increased biomass, total soluble sugars, nitrate, ammonium, phenols, and chlorophyll A, while foliar application of 1 kg ha-1 Zn led to the highest levels of reducing sugars and phenols. Therefore, we conclude that soil fertilization with doses of 25 and 300 kg ha-1, along with foliar applications of 1 and 1.5 kg ha-1, is optimal for biofortification, boosting biomass without harming the plants’ metabolic processes.