ZINCO E Azospirillum brasilense PARA BIOFORTIFICAÇÃO AGRONÔMICA DE FEIJÃO-CAUPI

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) biofortification refers to the enrichment of this nutrient in foods through agronomic practices. Agronomic biofortification programs have focused on widely accessible foods such as cowpea. Recent evidence suggests that the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (e.g., Azospirillum brasilense) can enhance Zn accumulation in grains. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of biofortifying cowpea through Zn fertilization and Azospirillum brasilense inoculation. The experiment was carried out at the Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina campus, using a randomized block design with a factorial scheme (2 x 5), which included one cultivar (Tumucumaque), two inoculation methods, and five Zn doses. The Zn combination with Azospirillum brasilense resulted in significant improvements in cowpea productivity, Zn concentrations in grains and leaves, as well as increases in protein content and total saccharose and sugar levels. These findings highlight the promising potential of Azospirillum brasilense inoculation for cowpea biofortification, offering substantial nutritional benefits without adversely affecting sugar levels.