Adelaide, July 25 -- Australian researchers found that treating wheat with a special type of fungi helps crops grow larger and boosts the grains' nutritional quality.
University of Adelaide researchers in South Australia said treating wheat with mycorrhizal fungi increases zinc and phosphorus levels without reducing yield or altering fertiliser use, according to a release from the university.
The study found that the fungus boosted nutrient uptake without raising phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that limits mineral absorption, and sometimes even lowers it, enhancing zinc and iron bioavailability.
This is crucial since zinc and iron deficiencies affect up to 30-60% of the global population, leading to serious health problems, said p...