Shading enhances Se accumulation in tea leaves through promoting CsMYB7-like-mediated conversion of Se (VI) to Se (IV).

Shading increases selenium accumulation in tea leaves by activating CsMYB7-like-mediated conversion of Se (VI) to Se (IV), especially under sufficient Se supply.

• Why it matters: Limited selenium in crops contributes to global dietary deficiencies, and effective biofortification strategies are urgently needed to improve nutritional quality.
• What they did: Researchers conducted field experiments applying shading and Se nanoparticles, identifying CsAPR1's role in Se reduction and its regulation by CsMYB7-like and CsbHLH70, with modulation by sunlight.
• The result: Shading promotes Se biofortification in tea leaves through molecular pathways involving CsMYB7-like, enabling potential strategies for producing Se-enriched crops.