Abstract
Field-based experiments were conducted during wheat cultivation seasons of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 to minimize the impact of hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiencies) through agronomic biofortification of two wheat cultivars with zinc and iron. Two spring-planted bread wheat cultivars: Zincol-16 (Zn-efficient) and Anaj-17 (Zn-inefficient with high-yield potential) were treated with either zinc (10 kg/ha), iron (12 kg/ha), or their combination to study their effect on some growth attributes (plant height, tillers, and spike length, etc.,), productivity, and quality. No application of zinc and iron or their combinations served as the control. Maximum Zn and Fe contents of grains were improved by sole application of Zn and Fe, respectively. A higher concentration of Ca in grains was observed by the combined application of Zn and Fe. Starch contents were found maximum by sole application of Fe. Sole or combined application of Zn and Fe reduced wet gluten contents. Maximum proteins were recorded in Anaj-17 under control treatments. Zincol-16 produced maximum ionic concentration, starch contents, and wet gluten as compared to Anaj-17. Yield and growth attributes were also significantly (p < 0.05) improved by combined application as compared to the sole application of Zn or Fe. The combined application also produced the highest biological and grain yield with a maximum harvest index. Cultivar Anaj-17 was found more responsive regarding growth and yield attributes comparatively. The findings of the present study showed that the combined application of Zn and Fe produced good quality grains (more Zn, Fe, Ca, starch, and less gluten concentrations) with a maximum productivity of bread wheat cultivars.
Highlights
The deficiencies of dietary micronutrients are widespread and pose a major health concern for more than 2 billion people [1,2,3]
Cultivar Zincol-16 was found more efficient in Zn accumulation as compared to Anaj-17 (Figure 2) during both experimental years
Maximum improvement was recorded by sole application of Fe, while minimum in control (Figure 2B)
Summary
The deficiencies of dietary micronutrients are widespread and pose a major health concern for more than 2 billion people [1,2,3]. Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies are the most widespread micronutrient disorder. Zn deficiency causes gastrointestinal problems [6], altered reproductive biology, impairments of physical growth [7], DNA damage and cancer development [8], diabetes mellitus, hormone imbalance, respiration issues and high blood pressure, and affects multiple aspects of the immune system. Fe deficiency causes anemia and pregnancy issues [9], tiredness and a poor immunity level, reduced work capacity and intellectual performance, less cognitive development, growth, and reproductive performance [10]
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