Nutritionally Enhanced Wheat for Food and Nutrition Security

Abstract

The current and future trends in population growth and consumption patterns continue to increase the demand for wheat. Wheat is a major source and an ideal vehicle for delivering increased quantities of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and other valuable bioactive compounds to population groups who consume wheat as a staple food. To address nutritious traits in crop improvement, breeding feasibility must be assessed and nutrient targets defined based on their health impact. Novel alleles for grain Zn and Fe in competitive, profitable, Zn enriched wheat varieties have been accomplished using conventional breeding techniques and have been released in South Asia and Latin America, providing between 20% and 40% more Zn than local commercial varieties and benefitting more than four million consumers. Future challenges include accelerating and maintaining parallel rates of genetic gain for productivity and Zn traits and reversing the trend of declining nutrients in wheat that has been exacerbated by climate change. Application of modern empirical and analytical technologies and methods in wheat breeding will help to expedite genetic progress, shorten time-to-market, and achieve mainstreaming objectives. In exploiting synergies from genetic and agronomic options, agronomic biofortification can contribute to achieving higher Zn concentrations, stabilize Zn trait expression, and increase other grain minerals, such as selenium or iodine. Increasing Fe bioavailability in future breeding and research with other nutrients and bioactive compounds is warranted to further increase the nutritious value of wheat. Crop profiles must assure value propositions for all actors across the supply chain and consider processors requirements in product development.

Citrate-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for the nano-enabled biofortification of wheat

“…The protein concentration in the kernels was within the average protein concentration range (10–15%) reported by Govindan et al 97 in wheat grains from different cultivars. The protein content in grains of the AF1116 line was higher than the protein content of grains of the MULTIAF2 line but similar to that of the grains of genotype AF1104 (Table 3).…”

Comparative Effects of Hydropriming and Iron Priming on Germination and Seedling Morphophysiological Attributes of Stay-Green Wheat

“…In addition to the risks of climate change and increased population, crops including wheat are also facing bigger challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity . To ensure food security, exploration of genetic diversity and germplasm improvement are crucial to the reliable and sustainable production of crops. − In this context, hydropriming is considered important for ensuring germination to be uniform and rapid; however, the underlying mechanisms involved have remained unclear and hence need further exploration.…”

“…73−77 In addition to the risks of climate change and increased population, crops including wheat are also facing bigger challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity. 10 To ensure food security, exploration of genetic diversity and germplasm improvement are crucial to the reliable and sustainable production of crops. 78−81 In this context, hydropriming is 82 Accordingly, enhanced concentration of free amino acids including proline and soluble sugars has been reported in hydroprimed rice in an osmotic stress environment.…”

“…Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important crop in the world after rice and maize with a total production of 765 million tons, covering 216 million hectares. − The wheat grain contains 20% food calories and 55% carbohydrates and is a chief source of food across the globe. − However, besides the risks of climate change and increased population, wheat producers and breeders are facing bigger challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity. − Furthermore, it is believed that a substantial increase in the production of agricultural crops after green revolution has led to a gradual decline in the nutritional quality of elite high-yielding cereal crops, particularly wheat. − An exceptional rise in atmospheric CO 2 up to 420 ppm has directly affected the carbon assimilation, the result being decreased accumulation of both grain micro- and macronutrients. − …”

Harnessing Landrace Diversity Empowers Wheat Breeding for Climate Resilience

“…Given that wheat is a major staple across many societies, improving nutritional content is a major breeding target for ensuring nutritional food security 38 . To identify nutrition-related genetic variations in the Watkins accessions, we focused on the levels of iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium and calcium in wheat grains: these essential minerals are widely deficient in the human diet.…”