Elucidating genetic variability and genotype × environment interactions for grain iron and zinc content among diverse genotypes of lentils (Lens culinaris)

Abstract

Micronutrient malnutrition is a great burden towards attaining nutritional security for the vulnerable section of society, especially pregnant and lactating women, as well as preschool children in developing countries. Biofortification of lentil with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) may have a great impact on health and nutritional security as this food legume is the chief source of dietary energy and easily digestible protein for the vegetarian population. Assessment of genetic variability followed by ciphering genotype  environment (GE) interaction are the vital endeavour towards the recommendation of Fe-and Zn-rich cultivars. Therefore, the present study was contemplated to appraise the genetic variability for Fe and Zn content among lentil genotypes followed by unravelling the effect of GE interaction for delineation of stable micronutrient-rich genotypes using HA-GGE biplot and REML/BLUP method.Preliminary studies with 125 lentil genotypes revealed the presence of adequate genetic variability concerning grain Fe (44.46 to 121.89 mg kg À1 ) and Zn (17.45 to 77.25 mg kg À1 ) content and other agronomic traits. Further, a multilocation evaluation trial with 30 promising genotypes at four diverse locations for consecutive 2 years detected a significant influence of environment and GE interaction on grain Fe and Zn content. Integration of HA-GGE biplot along with REML/BLUP analysis pertinently detected BCL-10212 and IPL-220 as 'ideal' for Fe content whereas IC-346092 and IC-521442 for Zn content. Moreover, IC-521442 was detected as most 'ideal' having richness in both Fe and Zn along with high stability over the locations.These genotypes offer a great opportunity to the lentil breeders for their utilization in a subsequent breeding programme towards developing Fe-and Zn-rich lentils. Present findings would be useful for the generation of recombinant lines for mapping and tagging of the genes/QTL controlling Fe and Zn content and developing the biofortified lentil cultivars.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Appraisal of Iron and Zinc Rich Stable Genotypes in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

“…Several factors are at play during nutrient homeostasis and this complex network involves multiple genes and transcription factors that vary from genotype to genotype leading to genotypic variation. Moreover, further research suggested the existence of quantitative traits modulating the pathway revealing the importance of understanding the GE interaction, which impacted the results of genetic analysis for these complex traits (Bhattacharya et al, 2022b).…”

“…L1 (6.06) and L2 (5.92) were identified as 'ideal' or type-I locations for appraisal of precious genotypes in case of grain Fe and Zn content, respectively considering the highest "desirability index" (Table 3). Over the years, Bhattacharya et al (2022b) have utilised the HA-GGE biplot for appraisal of genotypes and environment. In addition to this, the adequacy and accountability of the methodology combined with the overall environmental influence, which is portrayed by the vector projection on the "AEC abscissa" is an indirect selection criterion for self-pollinated crops like lentil as the additive component of variation is predominant (Yan and Holland, 2010).…”

“…is one of the healthiest pulses rich in starch, proteins, dietary fibres and notably essential micronutrients including Fe, Zn, selenium (Se), folate (vitamin B9), as well as several other dietary nutrients (Bhattacharya et al, 2022a). The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Fe and Zn can be substantially met by incorporating 100 g of lentils into the daily human diet (Bhattacharya et al, 2022b). The biofortification of lentil paves the way forward as the grain Fe and Zn concentration reveals wide variation.…”

Plant Iron Research in African Countries: Current “Hot Spots”, Approaches, and Potentialities

“…To further restrict our analysis to research prominently conducted in Africa, only 48 publications were retained for further analysis, i.e., those with first and/or corresponding authors affiliated with an African country ( Table 1 , plant species and references in bold). Hence, 22 papers were excluded, as they either did not report an African affiliation as a prominent authorship [ 15 , 19 , 20 , 27 , 28 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 42 , 53 , 56 , 59 , 70 , 71 , 73 , 78 , 81 , 82 , 85 ], or the first author did not have an African affiliation, and there was no clear African research leadership due to the presence of at least three corresponding authors [ 43 , 60 , 69 ].…”

Disease spectrum and its molecular characterisation in the lentil production system of lower-Indo Gangetic plains

“…Thus, these areas all together accounted for 80%-90% of the total area under lentil production in India (FAOSTAT, 2021). This food legume is a crucial component of cereal-based cropping system of IGP (Bhattacharya et al, 2022a, Bhattacharya et al, 2022b. However, the average productivity of lentil in IGP is low due to several biotic constraints and farmers being sceptical of converting the traditional rice-based monocropping system to a more productive rice-lentil cropping system.…”