Identification of High Zinc and Iron Rich Genotypes through Germplasm Screening in Rice

The present study was conducted to evaluate genetic variability for grain micronutrient content in rice and to identify promising donor genotypes for biofortification. Fifty rice germplasm entries were assessed for grain zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) concentrations at RARS, Nandyal, during Kharif 2024 using a randomized block design with three replications. Significant variation was observed among the germplasm lines, with Zn content ranging from 13.74 to 37.60 ppm and Fe from 3.17 to 28.54 ppm, indicating ample scope for genetic improvement. Genotypes RTCNP-102, RTCNP-104, RTCNP-106, RTCNP-118, and RTCNP-111 recorded high Zn levels (>30 ppm), while RTCNP-104, RTCNP-106, RTCNP-152, and RTCNP-155 exhibited higher Fe concentration. Notably, RTCNP-104 showed a desirable combination of high Zn (34.85 ppm) and Fe (28.54 ppm), suggesting its potential as an elite donor for biofortification breeding programmes. Considerable variability was also observed for Mn and Cu, contributing to the overall micronutrient balance in grains.