The effect of seed pelletization with selenite on the yield and selenium uptake of ryegrass cultivars.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effect of seed pelletization with increasing selenite supply levels (from 0 to 60 g ha -1 ) on the yield, uptake and distribution of Se in three ryegrass cultivars (Aries, Nui and Quartet) growing in an Andisol never amended with Se fertilizers. For the ryegrass cultivars, the yield of shoots (first and second cut) and roots was not affected by the application of selenite directly to the seeds at rates up to 60 g Se ha -1 . Selenite-pelleted seeds at rates from 5 to 60 g Se ha -1 progressively increased the Se concentration in shoots and roots, and most of Se was accumulated in the roots. Furthermore, Se dosages above 10 g ha -1 increased the shoot Se concentration in two cuts to proper levels according to the minimum dietary requirement of cattle. Thus, the use of selenite-pelleted ryegrass seeds appears to be a strategic tool to increase the forage Se content under field conditions.