Genotype-dependent responses to selenium foliar application in Chilean chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) landraces show modifications in phenolic compound composition in seeds.

Genotype-dependent responses to foliar selenium application in Chilean chickpea landraces include a 91% increase in seed production in one genotype and significant variations in phenolic composition.

• Why it matters: Understanding how different chickpea genotypes respond to selenium is crucial for optimizing biofortification and breeding strategies to enhance nutritional and functional seed qualities.
• What they did: Five Chilean chickpea landraces received foliar sodium selenate (30 mg L-1) at full flowering, with assessments of physiological performance, seed biochemical composition, and transcriptomic responses, revealing genotype-specific variations.
• The result: Se treatment led to notable genotype-dependent changes in plant physiology, secondary metabolism, and gene expression, emphasizing the role of genetic background in selenium responses and potential for targeted biofortification.