Genetic variation and diversity for grain iron, zinc, protein and agronomic traits in advanced breeding lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for biofortification breeding

Pujar, M and Govindaraj, M and Gangaprasad, S and Kanatti, A and Shivade, H (2020) Genetic variation and diversity for grain iron, zinc, protein and agronomic traits in advanced breeding lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for biofortification breeding. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (TSI). ISSN 0925-9864

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Abstract

Genetic improvements of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] may reduce the problems of anemia and stunted growth among millet dependent staple food consumers. The availability of variation in diversebreeding lines is essential to improve grain micronutrients in high-yielding cultivars. This study aimed to determine the extent of variability, heritability and diversity for grain Fe, Zn and protein, along with key agronomic traits, in 281 advanced breeding lines bred at ICRISAT and evaluated across two seasons (environments). A pooled analysis of variance displayed significant variation for all these traits. Highest variability was recorded for Fe (35–116 mg kg-1), Zn (21–80 mg kg-1), and protein (6–18%), and a three-fold variation was observed for panicle length, panicle girth and 1000-grain-weight (TGW). Diversity analysis showed 10 clusters. Cluster-III had maximum lines (25%) and Cluster-V showed the highest mean values for Fe, Zn, protein and TGW. These results highlight the success of breeding program that aimed both the maintenance and creation of genetic variability and diversity. A significant positive correlation among Fe, Zn, protein and TGW indicated the potential for simultaneous improvement. Grain yield had a non-significant association with Fe and Zn, while protein showed a negative correlation. These results suggest that significant variability exists in elite-breeding lines, thus highlighting an opportunity to breed for biofortified varieties without compromising on the grain yield. The lines with high Fe, Zn and protein content can be used as hybrid parents and may also help in further genetic investigations.

Item Type: Article
Divisions: Research Program : Asia
CRP: CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Variability, Correlation,� Diversity, Grain iron and zinc,� Grain protein, Seed parent, Restorer parent� Restorer parent
Subjects: Others > Plant Breeding
Mandate crops > Millets > Pearl Millet
Others > Plant Nutrition
Others > Seeds/Seed Bank
Depositing User: Mr Arun S
Date Deposited: 25 Sep 2020 12:41
Last Modified: 28 Oct 2020 07:03
URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/11624
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-020-00956-x
Projects: UNSPECIFIED
Funders: HarvestPlus Challenge Program of the CGIAR
Acknowledgement: This research was supported by funding from HarvestPlus Challenge Program of the CGIAR. It was carried as part of the CRP on Agriculture for Nutrition.
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