Genetic Variability Analysis of Grains Fe, Zn and Beta-carotene Concentration of Prevalent Wheat Varieties in Iran

To improve grains quality of wheat and reduction of micronutrient malnutrition in human populations as a basic method, current wheat varieties in Iran were analyzed for diversity of micronutrients (Fe, Zn and Beta-carotene) concentrations in grain. Eighty two varieties including modern, landrace and durum wheat were grown in field condition across two years to determine the importance of genetic, environment and their interaction effects. Remarkable variation among 82 genotypes exhibited for all micronutrients concentration in grains. Significant differences for Fe, Zn and beta-carotene concentration of grains were existed among genotypes and years. Landraces of wheat found to contain higher Zn concentration than modern and durum varieties. Highly positive correlations were revealed among Fe and Zn but not for beta-carotene. The results of this study showed a considerable variation for micronutrient concentration in grains between genotypes for breeding purposes such as promoting high quality cultivars with high grains micronutrient concentration or biofortification.