Adaptability and Stability Parameters of Iron and Zinc Concentrations and Grain Yield in Cowpea Lines in the Brazilian Semiarid Region

Abstract

The biofortification of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] lines will have great impact in semiarid regions, since the crop provides a rich source of food, especially of iron and zinc. The aim of the current study was to assess the adaptability and stability of iron and zinc concentrations and grain yield in cowpea lines to release new cultivars. Forty‐four genotypes were distributed in two experiments, climbing and upright lines, with different population densities. They were assessed in four rainfed and three irrigated environments in two randomized block designs with three repetitions. Significant statistical differences were observed (p< 0.01) in the treatment, environment, and treatment × environment interaction mean squares for all variables. The lines that showed the highest iron and zinc concentrations also showed grain yields below the overall mean in both experiments. The three applied methods showed similar results in the selection of superior materials. C4I and T16_2R in the climbing experiment and C2J in the upright experiment showed grain yield equal to or greater than the overall experiment means of 1034 and 1130 kg ha−1, respectively, with iron and zinc means concentrations 15% greater than the control cultivars, as well as wide adaptability and stability in the assessed environment. These lines could be released as new cultivars.

Transcriptional cascades in the regulation of 2‐AP biosynthesis under Zn supply in fragrant rice

“…These studies highlight that the exogenous application of microelements might be a highly efficient technique to modulate the production of 2‐AP. Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient that is essential for plant growth and development as well as plays key roles in a variety of metabolic pathways (da Silva & Santos, 2017). While the high amounts of Zn in soils can cause a variety of changes in plants, including lower growth, photosynthetic and respiratory rates, mineral imbalances, and increased production of reactive oxygen species (Kaur & Garg, 2021).…”

“…These studies highlight that the exogenous application of microelements might be a highly efficient technique to modulate the production of 2-AP. Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient that is essential for plant growth and development as well as plays key roles in a variety of metabolic pathways (da Silva & Santos, 2017).…”

Exogenous application of zinc (Zn) at the heading stage regulates 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis in different fragrant rice genotypes

“…Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for the normal growth and development of crops, and it plays an important physiological and biochemical role 6 . Zn is also an essential micronutrient in human health.…”

Post-transcriptional regulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis pathway, silicon, and heavy metal transporters in response to Zn in fragrant rice

“…As a micronutrient, zinc (Zn) is essential for plant growth and also has vital physiological and biochemical functions ( da Silva and Santos, 2017 ). In humans, zinc deficiency can result in physical deterioration, loss of vision, lower immune function and disease resistance ( Adamo et al, 2019 ).…”