Impact of selenium application on selenium and phytic acid content in cowpea seeds

Selenium (Se) is essential element for humans and animals (White 2016). Selenium can promote growth, act in oxidative stress combat, and may be considered as a beneficial element for higher plants (Reis et al. 2017). Combs Jr. (2001) estimated that more than one billion people may suffer from Se deficiency. Selenium deficiency presents the third highest deficiency risk of any mineral micronutrient in Africa (Joy et al. 2014).