Enhancement of phytoestrogen content of pomegranate seeds by zinc fertilization
2009
Khorsandi, F. (Islamic Azad Univ., Darab Branch (Islamic Republic of Iran). Dept. of Soil Science) | Yazdi, F.A. (Yazd Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center (Islamic Republic of Iran))
Pomegranate (Punica granatum), a rich source of phytooestrogens, is grown extensively in arid regions of the world, where zinc (Zn) deficiency is common. In this study, the response of four commercial pomegranate cultivars to foliar Zn fertilization at a rate of 0.4% was evaluated in a two-year field experiment. Seed phytooestrogens contents were significantly different among cultivars. Zn application increased phytooestrogens content of the seeds in all four cultivars, which was significant in three of them. There was a significant and positive correlation between seed phytooestrogens content and leaf Zn content. The correlation between phytooestrogens content and seed Zn content was highly significant and positive in one of the cultivars. It is concluded that Zn fertilization of pomegranates cultivated in calcareous soils of arid regions has enhanced phytooestrogens content in fruits.
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