Scientific Journal

Selection of Bread Wheat Recombinant Inbred Lines for Grain Yield, Iron and Zinc Concentrations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran

10.22034/pgr.2026.2084199.1031
Abstract
Wheat is the most important food source, providing up to 50% of the daily calories of the population in developing countries. Zinc and iron deficiencies are the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Biofortification of wheat with increased zinc and iron concentrations in the grain is a promising strategy for reducing micronutrient malnutrition in humans. A field experiment was conducted during the 2021–2022 cropping season at Razi University, Kermanshah, to evaluate 63 F8 bread wheat lines derived from three distinct populations. These lines, alongside their parents (winter backcross Roshan × Gascogene, Marvdasht, Shahpasand, and MV17) and the Krichauff cultivar as a control, were assessed for grain yield, iron and zinc concentrations, and other agronomic traits using a randomized complete block design with three replications. According to the results obtained, the average grain zinc and iron concentrations in the first population were 63.74 and 29.99 mg/kg, respectively, in the second population the grain iron concentration was 28.95 mg/kg, and in the third population the grain zinc and iron concentrations were 57.43 and 39.34 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the MGIDI selection index, Genotypes 96, 34, winter backcross Roshan, and 88 from the first population; Genotypes 347, 226, 233, 245, 214, the control cultivar Krichauff, and 321 from the second population; and Genotypes 579, 400, 421, and 407 from the third population were identified as superior genotypes. The superior genotypes identified in this study can be introduced after further evaluations in different environments as valuable parents in future crosses or directly as new cultivars. This research could be considered as an effective step towards improving food security and reducing micronutrient malnutrition.

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