A decade of progress on genetic enhancement of grain zinc and iron in CIMMYT wheat germplasm

Abstract About two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies worldwide especially with zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) leading to various health impairments. Genetic biofortification strategies offer sustainable solution to improve the nutrition status of resource-poor people in developing countries. The wheat biofortification breeding program at CIMMYT has made significant progress in terms of development and deployment of Zn-enriched competitive wheat lines with increased yield potential, disease resistance and better processing quality. A decade of research and breeding efforts led to the release of several biofortified wheat varieties in target regions of South Asia and reached about 0.5 million consumers with biofortified wheat products. Breeding for high-Zn concentration has been diversified with progenitors from diverse genetic resources and mainstreaming of grain zinc in CIMMYT wheat breeding pipeline has been initiated to develop next generation of superior biofortified wheat varieties.