2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 8

author(s)
Aavula Naveen, Patel Supriya, Gampa Mallesh, Sunaina Yadav, Thalari Vasanthrao, Dharavath Hathiram and Hemanth S

abstract
Pearl millet is a nutritious cereal crop that has the potential to alleviate hidden hunger, a global issue affecting over 3 billion people due to micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Biofortification, a process of enhancing the nutritional content of staple crops, is a viable solution to address hidden hunger. Pearl millet is an ideal candidate for biofortification due to its superior and balanced nutritional profile compared to other cereals. Conventional breeding relies on germplasm screening, selection, cross-breeding, recurrent selection, and hybrid breeding to develop improved varieties with higher mineral concentrations. Phenotyping techniques such as Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), and Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) have been used to assess grain mineral content. Genetic studies have revealed significant variability for grain Fe and Zn contents in pearl millet, with additive genetic variance and high heritability, indicating the effectiveness of simple selection for these micronutrients. However, some studies have reported non-additive genetic control and the influence of genotype by environment interactions on grain mineral content. Multi-location trials have been conducted to assess the stability of Fe and Zn contents across different environments. By introducing genes through genetic engineering that enhance mineral uptake and bioavailability, researchers can boost the levels of essential nutrients like iron and zinc in the grain. Key tools such as molecular markers (AFLP, SSR, SNP) and high-throughput genotyping platforms (ddRAD, GBS) have enabled the identification of genetic variations associated with these traits. The development of biofortified pearl millet varieties through conventional breeding and advanced approaches holds great promise in combating hidden hunger and improving the nutritional status of populations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.