Role of molecular approaches in improving genetic variability of micronutrients and their utilization in breeding programs

Abstract Genetic variability in a crop species for a particular trait symbolizes the prospect of its improvement. In today's modern world with continuously increasing population, enhancing crop production has become the main target of breeders and scientists; while the nutritional value of the crops remained ignored. Although preferential breeding during and after the green revolution supplied the required yield, nutritional diversity of crops suffered in the process. However, the revelation of nutritional deficiencies around the world during the last decade has tremendously accelerated genetic biofortification based research. Progression of molecular techniques has given a different pace to this research. Adequate natural variations in micronutrient content of both barley and wheat genotypes have been revealed. This chapter discusses the role of molecular advancement in the estimation of existing genetic variability; and consequently, its contribution in enhancement of genetic variation of micronutrients in wheat and barley genetic pool. Human health largely depends on the nutrient content of a crop that subsequently relies on the availability of nutrients from soil to plants. Hence, the genetic pathways engaged in the movement of these nutrients from soil to grain and their bioavailability will be outlined. Additionally, this chapter highlights the importance of genetic information in developing nutritionally balanced crops via conventional breeding methods, transgenic/cisgenic strategies and genome editing tools.