Effects of cereal supplementation with selenium.

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient. Surveys of Se status showed that Serbia is a low Se area. To increase the Se concentration, we supplemented Se to domestic animals and humans. The latest results showed that increasing Se content in domestic animals and humans induces a small increase in mean Se level. Exceptions were residents of urban, economically developed communities in which an increase in Se level were significant. The soil-plant system is the main natural source of Se for animals and humans. We used field treatments to raise the Se level in plants to the desired level. Foliar application of Se as Na2SeO3 was tested on cereals growing on different soil types. The influence of different growth factors on the uptake and distribution of Se in plants was tested and discussed. The foliar application of 6 g Se/ha is sufficient to raise the native Se content in whole wheat to levels of 42 to 67 microg/kg and in corn to levels of 19 to 36 microg/kg. The application of 12 g Se/ha is sufficient to raise Se levels in wheat to 65 to 180 microg/kg and in corn to 31 to 46 microg/kg.