Abstract
Biofortification is a strategy that aims to improve the nutritional quality of foods through genetic breeding. Zinc is an important mineral for human health. It is used in various physiological processes such as immune function, antioxidant protection, growth and development. Therefore, zinc is one of the most studied minerals in the biofortification of grains in cowpea. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of zinc density in the grain of 12 cowpea genotypes in four environments in the states of Piaui (PI) and Maranhao (MA), Brazil, by using the GGE-Biplot method. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Grain samples of each genotype were ground and the resulting flour was subjected to zinc density analysis by using an atomic flame absorption spectrophotometer. Analyses of variance were performed, and the adaptability and stability of zinc density in the grain was evaluated by the GGE-Biplot method. Genotypes showed different behavior depending on the environments tested for zinc concentration. According the GGE-Biplot method, Parnaiba-PI was the most discriminating environment for genotypes. Campo Grande do Piaui-PI and Parnaiba-PI were the most representative environments for selecting genotypes with zinc biofortification in the state of Piaui. Parnaiba-PI was the optimal environment for selection of genotypes adapted to high zinc density in grain. The cultivar BRS Xiquexique was the ideal genotype due to the high zinc density in the grain and high stability according to GGE-Biplot, followed by the lines MNC04-774F-78 and MNC04-782F-108.
Highlights
Zinc is an important mineral in various areas of the human body and is a cofactor in various enzymes and proteins
Some genotypes show some relation in terms of genetic origin and commercial subclass (Table 1), a significant variation was observed in the grain zinc concentration
Rocha et al (2008, 2011b) and Dias-Barbosa (2015) evaluated cowpea genotypes and reported the presence of genetic variability in this mineral. Most of these studies were conducted in a single environment, which may have inflated the estimates of genetic variance as a result of genotype × environment interaction (G×E)
Summary
Zinc is an important mineral in various areas of the human body and is a cofactor in various enzymes and proteins. Zinc deficiency affects the immune system, and DNA synthesis; prevents combat of free radical formation; causes delayed growth and sexual maturation, hypogeusia, acrodermatitis enteropathica, alopecia, diarrhea, and rashes; and decreases appetite, and cognitive functions (PEREIRA et al, 2011). Sufficient amounts of zinc in the diet promotes immunity, resistance to infection, adequate growth, development of the nervous system, and is essential for a healthy pregnancy. 17.3% of the world’s population is at risk of zinc deficiency due to dietary inadequacy. Other estimates indicate that 25-33% of some populations in the world present inadequate zinc consumption and suffer from health problems due to the lack of zinc in their diet (HOTZ; BROWN, 2004; WESSELLS; BROWN, 2012).
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