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Sun M, Tong J, Dong Y, Pu Z, Zheng J, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Hao C, Xu X, Cao Q, Rasheed A, Ali MB, Cao S, Xia X, He Z, Ni Z, Hao Y. Molecular characterization of QTL for grain zinc and iron concentrations in wheat landrace Chinese Spring. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2024; 137:148. [PMID: 38836887 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-024-04661-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Three stable QTL for grain zinc concentration were identified in wheat landrace Chinese Spring. Favorable alleles were more frequent in landraces than in modern wheat cultivars. Wheat is a major source of dietary energy for the growing world population. Developing cultivars with enriched zinc and iron can potentially alleviate human micronutrient deficiency. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 245 lines derived from cross Zhou 8425B/Chinese Spring was used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain zinc concentration (GZnC) and grain iron concentration (GFeC) across four environments. Three stable QTL for GZnC with all favorable alleles from Chinese Spring were identified on chromosomes 3BL, 5AL, and 5BL. These QTL explaining maxima of 8.7%, 5.8%, and 7.1% of phenotypic variances were validated in 125 resequenced wheat accessions encompassing both landraces and modern cultivars using six kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assays. The frequencies of favorable alleles for QGZnCzc.caas-3BL, QGZnCzc.caas-5AL and QGZnCzc.caas-5BL were higher in landraces (90.4%, 68.0%, and 100.0%, respectively) compared to modern cultivars (45.9%, 35.4%, and 40.9%), suggesting they were not selected in breeding programs. Candidate gene association studies on GZnC in the cultivar panel further delimited the QTL into 8.5 Mb, 4.1 Mb, and 47.8 Mb regions containing 46, 4, and 199 candidate genes, respectively. The 5BL QTL located in a region where recombination was suppressed. Two stable and three less stable QTL for GFeC with favorable alleles also from Chinese Spring were identified on chromosomes 4BS (Rht-B1a), 4DS (Rht-D1a), 1DS, 3AS, and 6DS. This study sheds light on the genetic basis of GZnC and GFeC in Chinese Spring and provides useful molecular markers for wheat biofortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, College of Agronomy, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jingyang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zongjun Pu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianmin Zheng
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
| | - Yelun Zhang
- Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050031, Hebei, China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chenyang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaowan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qiang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Awais Rasheed
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, c/o CAAS, Beijing, 100081, China
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed Badry Ali
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Shuanghe Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xianchun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhonghu He
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, c/o CAAS, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, College of Agronomy, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100094, China.
| | - Yuanfeng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China.
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Zulfiqar U, Khokhar A, Maqsood MF, Shahbaz M, Naz N, Sara M, Maqsood S, Sahar S, Hussain S, Ahmad M. Genetic biofortification: advancing crop nutrition to tackle hidden hunger. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:34. [PMID: 38365972 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01308-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Malnutrition, often termed "hidden hunger," represents a pervasive global issue carrying significant implications for health, development, and socioeconomic conditions. Addressing the challenge of inadequate essential nutrients, despite sufficient caloric intake, is crucial. Biofortification emerges as a promising solution by enhance the presence of vital nutrients like iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A in edible parts of different crop plants. Crop biofortification can be attained through either agronomic methods or genetic breeding techniques. Agronomic strategies for biofortification encompass the application of mineral fertilizers through foliar or soil methods, as well as leveraging microbe-mediated mechanisms to enhance nutrient uptake. On the other hand, genetic biofortification involves the strategic crossing of plants to achieve a desired combination of genes, promoting balanced nutrient uptake and bioavailability. Additionally, genetic biofortification encompasses innovative methods such as speed breeding, transgenic approaches, genome editing techniques, and integrated omics approaches. These diverse strategies collectively contribute to enhancing the nutritional profile of crops. This review highlights the above-said genetic biofortification strategies and it also covers the aspect of reduction in antinutritional components in food through genetic biofortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Zulfiqar
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan.
| | - Amman Khokhar
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nargis Naz
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Maheen Sara
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sana Maqsood
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Sajila Sahar
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Saddam Hussain
- Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ahmad
- Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Rakotondramanana M, Wissuwa M, Ramanankaja L, Razafimbelo T, Stangoulis J, Grenier C. Stability of grain zinc concentrations across lowland rice environments favors zinc biofortification breeding. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1293831. [PMID: 38414643 PMCID: PMC10896981 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1293831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Introduction One-third of the human population consumes insufficient zinc (Zn) to sustain a healthy life. Zn deficiency can be relieved by increasing the Zn concentration ([Zn]) in staple food crops through biofortification breeding. Rice is a poor source of Zn, and in countries predominantly relying on rice without sufficient dietary diversification, such as Madagascar, Zn biofortification is a priority. Methods Multi-environmental trials were performed in Madagascar over two years, 2019 and 2020, to screen a total of 28 genotypes including local and imported germplasm. The trials were conducted in the highlands of Ankazomiriotra, Anjiro, and Behenji and in Morovoay, a location representative of the coastal ecosystem. Contributions of genotype (G), environment (E), and G by E interactions (GEIs) were investigated. Result The grain [Zn] of local Malagasy rice varieties was similar to the internationally established grain [Zn] baseline of 18-20 μg/g for brown rice. While several imported breeding lines reached 50% of our breeding target set at +12 μg/g, only few met farmers' appreciation criteria. Levels of grain [Zn] were stable across E. The G effects accounted for a main fraction of the variation, 76% to 83% of the variation for year 1 and year 2 trials, respectively, while GEI effects were comparatively small, contributing 23% to 9%. This contrasted with dominant E and GEI effects for grain yield. Our results indicate that local varieties tested contained insufficient Zn to alleviate Zn malnutrition, and developing new Zn-biofortified varieties should therefore be a priority. GGE analysis did not distinguish mega-environments for grain [Zn], whereas at least three mega-environments existed for grain yield, differentiated by the presence of limiting environmental conditions and responsiveness to improved soil fertility. Discussion Our main conclusion reveals that grain [Zn] seems to be under strong genetic control in the agro-climatic conditions of Madagascar. We could identify several interesting genotypes as potential donors for the breeding program, among those BF156, with a relatively stable grain [Zn] (AMMI stability value (ASV) = 0.89) reaching our target (>26 μg/g). While selection for grain yield, general adaptation, and farmers' appreciation would have to rely on multi-environment testing, selection for grain [Zn] could be centralized in earlier generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbolatantely Rakotondramanana
- Rice Research Department, The National Center for Applied Research on Rural Development (FOFIFA), Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Matthias Wissuwa
- Crop, Livestock and Environment Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Tsukuba, Japan
- PhenoRob Cluster and Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - James Stangoulis
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Cécile Grenier
- Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), Amélioration génétique et adaptation des plantes méditerranéennes et tropicales (UMR AGAP Institut), Montpellier, France
- UMR AGAP Institut, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (INRAE), Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
- Alliance Bioversity-Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
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Bogomolov A, Zolotareva K, Filonov S, Chadaeva I, Rasskazov D, Sharypova E, Podkolodnyy N, Ponomarenko P, Savinkova L, Tverdokhleb N, Khandaev B, Kondratyuk E, Podkolodnaya O, Zemlyanskaya E, Kolchanov NA, Ponomarenko M. AtSNP_TATAdb: Candidate Molecular Markers of Plant Advantages Related to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms within Proximal Promoters of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:607. [PMID: 38203780 PMCID: PMC10779315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mainstream of the post-genome target-assisted breeding in crop plant species includes biofortification such as high-throughput phenotyping along with genome-based selection. Therefore, in this work, we used the Web-service Plant_SNP_TATA_Z-tester, which we have previously developed, to run a uniform in silico analysis of the transcriptional alterations of 54,013 protein-coding transcripts from 32,833 Arabidopsis thaliana L. genes caused by 871,707 SNPs located in the proximal promoter region. The analysis identified 54,993 SNPs as significantly decreasing or increasing gene expression through changes in TATA-binding protein affinity to the promoters. The existence of these SNPs in highly conserved proximal promoters may be explained as intraspecific diversity kept by the stabilizing natural selection. To support this, we hand-annotated papers on some of the Arabidopsis genes possessing these SNPs or on their orthologs in other plant species and demonstrated the effects of changes in these gene expressions on plant vital traits. We integrated in silico estimates of the TBP-promoter affinity in the AtSNP_TATAdb knowledge base and showed their significant correlations with independent in vivo experimental data. These correlations appeared to be robust to variations in statistical criteria, genomic environment of TATA box regions, plants species and growing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Bogomolov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Karina Zolotareva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Sergey Filonov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
- Natural Science Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Irina Chadaeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Dmitry Rasskazov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Ekaterina Sharypova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Nikolay Podkolodnyy
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
- Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Petr Ponomarenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Ludmila Savinkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Natalya Tverdokhleb
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Bato Khandaev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
- Natural Science Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Kondratyuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
- Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoobsk 630501, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Olga Podkolodnaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Elena Zemlyanskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
- Natural Science Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nikolay A. Kolchanov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
- Natural Science Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Mikhail Ponomarenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.B.); (K.Z.); (S.F.); (I.C.); (D.R.); (E.S.); (N.P.); (P.P.); (L.S.); (N.T.); (B.K.); (E.K.); (O.P.); (E.Z.); (N.A.K.)
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Birol E, Foley J, Herrington C, Misra R, Mudyahoto B, Pfeiffer W, Diressie MT, Ilona P. Transforming Nigerian Food Systems Through Their Backbones: Lessons From a Decade of Staple Crop Biofortification Programing. Food Nutr Bull 2023; 44:S14-S26. [PMID: 36016479 DOI: 10.1177/03795721221117361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article presents the evolution of the biofortification program in Nigeria over the last decade and the role of interdisciplinary research in informing cost-effective, efficient, and inclusive development; implementation; and scaling of this program. Launched in 2011 to improve Nigeria's food systems to deliver accessible and affordable nutrients through commonly consumed staples, the Nigeria biofortification program was implemented through an effective partnership between the CGIAR and public, private, and civil society sectors at federal, state, and local levels. By the end of 2021, several biofortified varieties of Nigeria's 2 main staples, namely cassava and maize, were officially released for production by smallholders, with several biofortified varieties of other key staples (including pearl millet, rice, and sorghum) either under testing or in the release pipeline. In 2021, the program was estimated to benefit 13 million Nigerians consuming biofortified cassava and maize varieties. The evidence on the nutritional impact, consumer and farmer acceptance, and cost-effective scalability of biofortified crops documented by the program resulted in the integration of biofortified crops in several key national public policies and social protection programs; private seed and food company products/investments, as well as in humanitarian aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekin Birol
- Georgetown University, Walsh School of Foreign Service, Global Human Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jennifer Foley
- HarvestPlus, c/o International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Caitlin Herrington
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Rewa Misra
- HarvestPlus, c/o International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bho Mudyahoto
- HarvestPlus, c/o International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Wolfgang Pfeiffer
- HarvestPlus, c/o International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Tedla Diressie
- HarvestPlus, c/o International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, USA
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Rosales A, Molina-Macedo A, Leyva M, San Vicente F, Palacios-Rojas N. Fresh/High-Zinc Maize: A Promising Solution for Alleviating Zinc Deficiency through Significant Micronutrient Accumulation. Foods 2023; 12:2757. [PMID: 37509849 PMCID: PMC10379605 DOI: 10.3390/foods12142757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc deficiency poses a significant health challenge worldwide, particularly in regions where access to and the affordability of dietary diversity are limited. This research article presents a time course analysis of kernel development on the zinc content in maize kernels with different genetic backgrounds, including normal maize, quality protein maize, and high-zinc maize, grown at two locations. Zn concentrations during stage I were high, decreasing between stages II and IV and increasing during stages V to VII. High-zinc kernel genotypes, including those ones with high-quality protein genetic backgrounds, have higher contents of zinc and iron during the milky stage (fresh/green maize). The zinc and iron content in fresh maize differed depending on the genotype. By consuming fresh maize biofortified with zinc, up to 89% and 100% of EAR needs can be fulfilled for pregnant women and children. The results demonstrate that fresh high-zinc maize accumulates a substantial amount of this micronutrient, highlighting its potential as a valuable source for addressing zinc deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Rosales
- International Maize and What Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | - Aide Molina-Macedo
- International Maize and What Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | - Mayolo Leyva
- International Maize and What Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco C.P. 56237, Mexico
| | - Félix San Vicente
- International Maize and What Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco C.P. 56237, Mexico
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Singh N, Sharma R, Dubey A, Awasthi O, Saha S, Bharadwaj C, Sharma V, Sevanthi AM, Kumar A, Deepak. Citrus improvement for enhancedmineral nutrients in fruit juice through interspecific hybridization. J Food Compost Anal 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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Dwivedi SL, Garcia-Oliveira AL, Govindaraj M, Ortiz R. Biofortification to avoid malnutrition in humans in a changing climate: Enhancing micronutrient bioavailability in seed, tuber, and storage roots. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1119148. [PMID: 36794214 PMCID: PMC9923027 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1119148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Malnutrition results in enormous socio-economic costs to the individual, their community, and the nation's economy. The evidence suggests an overall negative impact of climate change on the agricultural productivity and nutritional quality of food crops. Producing more food with better nutritional quality, which is feasible, should be prioritized in crop improvement programs. Biofortification refers to developing micronutrient -dense cultivars through crossbreeding or genetic engineering. This review provides updates on nutrient acquisition, transport, and storage in plant organs; the cross-talk between macro- and micronutrients transport and signaling; nutrient profiling and spatial and temporal distribution; the putative and functionally characterized genes/single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Fe, Zn, and β-carotene; and global efforts to breed nutrient-dense crops and map adoption of such crops globally. This article also includes an overview on the bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and bioactivity of nutrients as well as the molecular basis of nutrient transport and absorption in human. Over 400 minerals (Fe, Zn) and provitamin A-rich cultivars have been released in the Global South. Approximately 4.6 million households currently cultivate Zn-rich rice and wheat, while ~3 million households in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America benefit from Fe-rich beans, and 2.6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil eat provitamin A-rich cassava. Furthermore, nutrient profiles can be improved through genetic engineering in an agronomically acceptable genetic background. The development of "Golden Rice" and provitamin A-rich dessert bananas and subsequent transfer of this trait into locally adapted cultivars are evident, with no significant change in nutritional profile, except for the trait incorporated. A greater understanding of nutrient transport and absorption may lead to the development of diet therapy for the betterment of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Luísa Garcia-Oliveira
- International Maize and Wheat Research Center, Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz. y Trigo (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India
| | - Mahalingam Govindaraj
- HarvestPlus Program, Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
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Jamla M, Joshi S, Patil S, Tripathi BN, Kumar V. MicroRNAs modulating nutrient homeostasis: a sustainable approach for developing biofortified crops. PROTOPLASMA 2023; 260:5-19. [PMID: 35657503 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-022-01775-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During their lifespan, sessile plants have to cope with bioavailability of the suboptimal nutrient concentration and have to constantly sense/evolve the connecting web of signal cascades for efficient nutrient uptake, storage, and translocation for proper growth and metabolism. However, environmental fluctuations and escalating anthropogenic activities are making it a formidable challenge for plants. This is adding to (micro)nutrient-deficient crops and nutritional insecurity. Biofortification is emerging as a sustainable and efficacious approach which can be utilized to combat the micronutrient malnutrition. A biofortified crop has an enriched level of desired nutrients developed using conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or advanced biotechnological tools. Nutrient homeostasis gets hampered under nutrient stress, which involves disturbance in short-distance and long-distance cell-cell/cell-organ communications involving multiple cellular and molecular components. Advanced sequencing platforms coupled with bioinformatics pipelines and databases have suggested the potential roles of tiny signaling molecules and post-transcriptional regulators, the microRNAs (miRNAs) in key plant phenomena including nutrient homeostasis. miRNAs are seen as emerging targets for biotechnology-based biofortification programs. Thus, understanding the mechanistic insights and regulatory role of miRNAs could open new windows for exploring them in developing nutrient-efficient biofortified crops. This review discusses significance and roles of miRNAs in plant nutrition and nutrient homeostasis and how they play key roles in plant responses to nutrient imbalances/deficiencies/toxicities covering major nutrients-nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). A perspective view has been given on developing miRNA-engineered biofortified crops with recent success stories. Current challenges and future strategies have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Jamla
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India
| | - Shrushti Joshi
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India
| | - Suraj Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India
| | - Bhumi Nath Tripathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 484887, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India.
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Kamble U, Mishra CN, Govindan V, Sharma AK, Pawar S, Kumar S, Krishnappa G, Gupta OP, Singh GP, Singh G. Ensuring Nutritional Security in India through Wheat Biofortification: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122298. [PMID: 36553565 PMCID: PMC9778289 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Undernourishment of nutrients, also known as hidden hunger, affects over 2 billion populace globally. Even though stunting among children below five years of age has decreased in India in the last ten years, India is home to roughly thirty percent of the world's population of stunted pre-schoolers. A significant improvement has been witnessed in the targeted development and deployment of biofortified crops; approximately 20 million farm households from developing counties benefit from cultivating and consuming biofortified crops. There is ample scope for including biofortified varieties in the seed chain, ensuring nutritional security. Wheat is a dietary staple in India, typically consumed as wholemeal flour in the form of flatbreads such as chapatti and roti. Wheat contributes to nearly one fifth of global energy requirements and can also provide better amounts of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). As a result, biofortified wheat can serve as a medium for delivery of essential micronutrients such as Fe and Zn to end users. This review discusses wheat biofortification components such as Fe and Zn dynamics, its uptake and movement in plants, the genetics of their buildup, and the inclusion of biofortified wheat varieties in the seed multiplication chain concerning India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umesh Kamble
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
| | - Chandra Nath Mishra
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-946-8251-294
| | | | - Amit Kumar Sharma
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
| | - Sushma Pawar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
| | | | - Om Prakash Gupta
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
| | | | - Gyanendra Singh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal 132001, India
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Roy C, Kumar S, Ranjan RD, Kumhar SR, Govindan V. Genomic approaches for improving grain zinc and iron content in wheat. Front Genet 2022; 13:1045955. [PMID: 36437911 PMCID: PMC9683485 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1045955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
More than three billion people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency associated anemia and an equal number people suffer from zinc deficiency. These conditions are more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In developing countries, children under the age of five with stunted growth and pregnant or lactating women were found to be at high risk of zinc and iron deficiencies. Biofortification, defined as breeding to develop varieties of staple food crops whose grain contains higher levels of micronutrients such as iron and zinc, are one of the most promising, cost-effective and sustainable ways to improve the health in resource-poor households, particularly in rural areas where families consume some part of what they grow. Biofortification through conventional breeding in wheat, particularly for grain zinc and iron, have made significant contributions, transferring important genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from wild and related species into cultivated wheat. Nonetheless, the quantitative, genetically complex nature of iron and zinc levels in wheat grain limits progress through conventional breeding, making it difficult to attain genetic gain both for yield and grain mineral concentrations. Wheat biofortification can be achieved by enhancing mineral uptake, source-to-sink translocation of minerals and their deposition into grains, and the bioavailability of the minerals. A number of QTLs with major and minor effects for those traits have been detected in wheat; introducing the most effective into breeding lines will increase grain zinc and iron concentrations. New approaches to achieve this include marker assisted selection and genomic selection. Faster breeding approaches need to be combined to simultaneously increase grain mineral content and yield in wheat breeding lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Roy
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
| | - Rakesh Deo Ranjan
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
| | - Sita Ram Kumhar
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Velu Govindan
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico City, Mexico
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Mitra‐Ganguli T, Pfeiffer WH, Walton J. The global regulatory framework for the commercialization of nutrient enriched biofortified foods. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1517:154-166. [PMID: 36036193 PMCID: PMC9805094 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient enriched crops (NECs) were developed through biofortification as a tool to reach the world's most vulnerable. The delivery model developed by HarvestPlus for the scaling of NECs relies on commercial demand from food businesses and consumers, coupled with the ability to promote and market foods that comply with legislation. This review of standards, regulations, and laws across the value chain in 20 countries demonstrates that existing provisions for food labeling are sufficient to carry out sales and marketing of foods made from conventionally bred NECs. The term biofortification is not necessary to create demand and, potentially, is counterproductive. Promoting the natural source of vitamins and minerals and relevant nutrition claims is the most effective and simple way to signpost healthier products to consumers. Until 2021, it was not possible to distinguish NECs at the grain level from the market standard. The development of a globally relevant Publicly Available Specification allows traders to demand grains that offer a substantial increase in zinc, iron, or vitamin A. Addressing this gap at the grain level ensures that standards and regulations are available end-to-end in the food supply chain providing the enabling environment for the rapid scale of NECs.
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Rakotondramanana M, Tanaka R, Pariasca-Tanaka J, Stangoulis J, Grenier C, Wissuwa M. Genomic prediction of zinc-biofortification potential in rice gene bank accessions. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2022; 135:2265-2278. [PMID: 35618915 PMCID: PMC9271118 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-022-04110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A genomic prediction model successfully predicted grain Zn concentrations in 3000 gene bank accessions and this was verified experimentally with selected potential donors having high on-farm grain-Zn in Madagascar. Increasing zinc (Zn) concentrations in edible parts of food crops, an approach termed Zn-biofortification, is a global breeding objective to alleviate micro-nutrient malnutrition. In particular, infants in countries like Madagascar are at risk of Zn deficiency because their dominant food source, rice, contains insufficient Zn. Biofortified rice varieties with increased grain Zn concentrations would offer a solution and our objective is to explore the genotypic variation present among rice gene bank accessions and to possibly identify underlying genetic factors through genomic prediction and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A training set of 253 rice accessions was grown at two field sites in Madagascar to determine grain Zn concentrations and grain yield. A multi-locus GWAS analysis identified eight loci. Among these, QTN_11.3 had the largest effect and a rare allele increased grain Zn concentrations by 15%. A genomic prediction model was developed from the above training set to predict Zn concentrations of 3000 sequenced rice accessions. Predicted concentrations ranged from 17.1 to 40.2 ppm with a prediction accuracy of 0.51. An independent confirmation with 61 gene bank seed samples provided high correlations (r = 0.74) between measured and predicted values. Accessions from the aus sub-species had the highest predicted grain Zn concentrations and these were confirmed in additional field experiments, with one potential donor having more than twice the grain Zn compared to a local check variety. We conclude utilizing donors from the aus sub-species and employing genomic selection during the breeding process is the most promising approach to raise grain Zn concentrations in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbolatantely Rakotondramanana
- Rice Research Department, The National Center for Applied Research on Rural Development (FOFIFA), 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Ryokei Tanaka
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Juan Pariasca-Tanaka
- Crop, Livestock and Environment Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), 1-1 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8686, Japan
| | - James Stangoulis
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Cécile Grenier
- CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, UMR AGAP Institut, Univ Montpellier, 34398, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthias Wissuwa
- Crop, Livestock and Environment Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), 1-1 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8686, Japan.
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Prasad R. Cytokinin and Its Key Role to Enrich the Plant Nutrients and Growth Under Adverse Conditions-An Update. Front Genet 2022; 13:883924. [PMID: 35795201 PMCID: PMC9252289 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.883924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the field crops, wheat is regarded as one of the most paramount cereal crops because it is widely grown, consumed as food across the world, and also known as the staple food for nearly 35 per cent of the world population. However, it is threatened by spot blotch disease causing considerable yield loss, with existing genotypes lacking the resistance and the necessary nutrients. Cytokinins (CKs) are key phytohormones that not only regulate the plant growth/development but also play an important role during stress and in the nutrient metabolic pathway of crop plants. Deficiency of important nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin A causes irreparable damage to the body, pressing the need to increase the accumulation of such micronutrients in the edible parts of the plant. Crop bio-fortification is one of the emerging approaches through which the quantities of these nutrients could be increased to an advisable amount. Cytokinin is observed to have a pivotal role in managing environmental stress/climate change and defense systems of plants, and apart from this, it is also found that it has an impact over Zn accumulation in cereal crops. Manipulation of the cytokine dehydrogenase (CKX) enzyme that degrades cytokinin could affect the yield, root growth, and important nutrients. Several instances revealed that an increment in the contents of Zn, S, Fe, and Mn in the seeds of cereals is a reflection of increasing the activity of CKX enzyme resulting the enhancement of the root system which not only helps in the absorption of water in a drought prone area but is also beneficial for scavenging nutrients to the deeper ends of the soil. Exploring micronutrients from the lithosphere via the root system helps in the uptake of the micronutrients and transporting them via the vascular system to the sink of crop plants, therefore, identification and incorporation of CKs/CKX linked gene(s) into targeted crop plants, exploring a bio-fortification approach including CRISPR-Cas9 through conventional and molecular breeding approaches could be the most paramount job for improving the important traits and stress management in order to enhance the plant growth, productivity, and nutritional value of the wheat crops, which would be useful for mankind.
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Katral A, Muthusamy V, Zunjare RU, Chhabra R, Maman S, Yadava DK, Hossain F. Allelic Variation in Zmfatb Gene Defines Variability for Fatty Acids Composition Among Diverse Maize Genotypes. Front Nutr 2022; 9:845255. [PMID: 35600823 PMCID: PMC9120846 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.845255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Edible oil with lower saturated fatty acids is desired for perceived quality and health benefits to humans and livestock. fatb gene encoding acyl-ACP thioesterase is a key player in the conversion of palmitic acid to oleic acid, thereby modifying the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in maize kernels. The present investigation characterised the full-length sequence of the Zmfatb gene (4.63 kb) in two mutants (Zmfatb) and eight wild-types (ZmfatB) inbreds to study allelic variation, gene-based diversity, phylogenetic-relationship, protein-modelling, and molecular-docking to identify novel candidates for modification of fatty acid profile. Sequence alignment revealed wide genomic variability for Zmfatb among the inbreds; identified five novel SNPs and two InDels that clearly differentiated the wild-type and mutant genotypes. Gene-based diversity using 11-InDel markers categorised 48-diverse maize-inbreds into two-clusters. The majority of mutant and wild-type inbreds were grouped in separate clusters and led to the generation of 41 haplotypes. Genetic relationship of maize fatb gene with orthologues among 40 accessions of 12 oilseed-crops using both nucleotide and protein sequence clustered maize, soybean, sunflower, opium-poppy, Citrulus lanata, quinoa, and prunus species into one cluster; and brassica, camelina, and arabidopsis into the different cluster. The clustering pattern revealed that the plant oil with higher unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids grouped together in one cluster and higher proportions of other fractions like arachidic, eicosenoic, and erucic acids grouped in another cluster. Physico-chemical properties highlighted more similarity between maize and 29 orthologue proteins, but orthologues were found to have better thermostability. Homology models have been developed for maize mutant and wild-type inbreds using Umbellularia californica (PDB ID: 5x04) as a template. Predicted protein models possessed optimum confidence-score and RMSD values and validated stability via., Ramachandran plots. Molecular docking indicated most of the interactions of protein-ligand were having similar binding-affinity due to the broader specificity of fatty acyl-ACP thioesterases and the presence of conserved-domains across crops. This is the first report on the comprehensive molecular characterisation of the fatb gene in maize and various orthologues. The information generated here provided new insights into the genetic diversity of fatb gene which can be utilised for the enhanced nutritive value of oil in the breeding programme.
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Govindaraj M, Kanatti A, Rai KN, Pfeiffer WH, Shivade H. Association of Grain Iron and Zinc Content With Other Nutrients in Pearl Millet Germplasm, Breeding Lines, and Hybrids. Front Nutr 2022; 8:746625. [PMID: 35187017 PMCID: PMC8847779 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.746625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiency is most prevalent in developing regions of the world, including Africa and Southeast Asia where pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a major crop. Increasing essential minerals in pearl millet through biofortification could reduce malnutrition caused by deficiency. This study evaluated the extent of variability of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Na) and macronutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg) and their relationship with Fe and Zn content in 14 trials involving pearl millet hybrids, inbreds, and germplasm. Significant genetic variability of macronutrients and micronutrients was found within and across the trials (Ca: 4.2–40.0 mg 100 g−1, Fe: 24–145 mg kg−1, Zn: 22–96 mg kg−1, and Na: 3.0–63 mg kg−1). Parental lines showed significantly larger variation for nutrients than hybrids, indicating their potential for use in hybrid parent improvement through recurrent selection. Fe and Zn contents were positively correlated and highly significant (r = 0.58–0.81; p < 0.01). Fe and Zn were positively and significantly correlated with Ca (r = 0.26–0.61; p < 0.05) and Mn (r = 0.24–0.50; p < 0.05). The findings indicate that joint selection for Fe, Zn, and Ca will be effective. Substantial genetic variation and high heritability (>0.60) for multiple grain minerals provide good selection accuracy prospects for genetic enhancement. A highly positive significant correlation between Fe and Zn and the nonsignificant correlation of grain macronutrients and micronutrients with Fe and Zn suggest that there is scope to achieve higher levels of Fe/Zn simultaneously in current pearl millet biofortification efforts without affecting other grain nutrients. Results suggest major prospects for improving multiple nutrients in pearl millet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahalingam Govindaraj
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India
- Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Mahalingam Govindaraj
| | - Anand Kanatti
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India
| | - Kedar Nath Rai
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India
| | - Wolfgang H. Pfeiffer
- HarvestPlus Program, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Harshad Shivade
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India
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