Characterization of Rice [Oryza saliva L.] germplasm based on iron and zinc content

Abstract

Hidden hunger is caused by the consumption of food grains (rice) which are deficient in mineral micronutrients specifically iron and zinc. This hunger affects more than one-half of the world's population especially woman and children in developing countries causing anemia and child blindness because 60 per cent of the world's population is dependent on rice as their staple food. Considering this biofortification as one of the suitable approaches was considered for improving the Fe and Zn content and their bioavailability in rice grain. Local landraces of rice were collected and Fe and Zn content were quantified for their genotypic characterization. Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) content of 112 local landraces were estimated according to Lindsey and Norwell by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Varian Speetra AA 50B. Iron concentration ranged from 0.25μg/g to 3.25μg/g and zinc from 0.85μg/g to 195.3μg/g in the landraces. Highest iron containing rice was Swetonunia with 34.8μg/g and highest Zn was found in Nepali Kalam which was 195.3μg/g. Zn content is quite comparable to other HYVs and can be used as donor parent in breeding program for biofortification of micronutrient Zn.