Exploring genetic variability for grain iron and zinc content in a diverse set of rice [Oryza sativa (L.)] germplasm

Characterization of genetic variability in existing germplasm for any trait of economic importance is a basic plant breeding strategy enabling identification and deployment of suitable donors. Present study aimed at estimating Fe and Zn content in a set of 206 rice germplasm lines, which includes 63 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from hybridizing parents with low and high Zn content. The material was planted along with three standard checks; PR114, PR121 and PR 126 in Augmented Design. Sufficient variability was recorded in the brown rice of the rice germplasm lines for grain Fe (4.6-37.5, 6.7-16.1 ppm) and Zn (16.3-41.0, 15.0-58.2 ppm) contents. First two principal components (PCs) in rice germplasm lines (60.78%) and first three PCs in RIL population (75%) showed maximum variability. The entire set of germplasm was delineated into three diversity groups. Fe and Zn dense genotypes identified in present study could be used as donors for improving Fe and Zn content in popular cultivars.