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Južno predgrađe 17, 31000 Osijek
Project name: Biofortification of Soybean and Sunflower with Iodine
Project acronym: BioSSI
Project duration: 19 February 2026 – 18 February 2031
Beneficiary: Agricultural Institute Osijek
Project leader: Dr Antonela Markulj Kulundžić
Total project value: €256,841.00
Partners:
Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek (Croatia)
Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE), Serbia
Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek (Croatia)
Project description:
Soy and sunflowers are widely used in the food industry due to their nutritional properties. After oil extraction, a byproduct meal is formed, rich in protein and used as an animal feed with an increasing share of application in human nutrition. Iodine is an essential trace element for regulating metabolism, growth and development. Insufficient iodine causes numerous health problems in humans and animals. On the other hand, global climate change threatens agriculture, causing stress on plants that reduce yields. Adaptation of agrotechnical measures, such as using UAVs and biostimulants, is crucial for maintaining crop productivity. The BioSSI project seeks to develop sustainable agricultural solutions through the biofortification of soy and sunflowers with iodine, which increases the iodine concentration in the grain and meal and thus improves the nutrition of humans and animals. The research includes soy varieties and sunflower hybrids to identify genotypes prone to iodine accumulation. By conducting field research in which we will treat soy and sunflowers with foliar application of potassium iodate, we will ensure an even and precise distribution of iodine by applying UAV. Field analysis will include monitoring plant vitality, along with an assessment of agronomic parameters. The laboratory part will consist of analyses of leaves, grains, meal and oil. Determination of iodine concentration and other elements, biochemical markers of oxidative stress analysis, photosynthetic pigment content and secondary metabolites will be done. The quality of oil and meal will be assessed according to standards, which will further confirm the effectiveness of biofortification. As a byproduct of oil processing created in this project, the iodine-enriched meal will bring added value that aligns with the circular economy principles and contributes to sustainable development aims. The results obtained by the BioSSI project will benefit agricultural producers and the food industry.
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