Genetic potential of tomato for bioaccumulation of iron in fruit
2016
Ishtiaq, S.
Malnutrition due to iron deficiency is common in underprivileged population in Pakistan. Iron biofortification in tomato is proposed due to the popularity, availability and affordability of tomato. Therefore, it is considered to have potential to alleviate malnutrition if biofortified with iron. For this purpose, 46 genotypes of tomato were tested for iron content by growing them under natural condition in a field without applying any treatment. Data were collected on morphological traits (fruit shape, fruit weight, length, width, firmness, number of locules and pericarp thickness), biochemical traits (pH, total soluble solids, iron contents, lycopene and beta-carotene) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll a and b). There was significant variation among the genotypes for all the parameters except fruit pH. Biplot analysis was performed for the selection of best quality fruit along with more iron accumulation in fruit. Based upon the results, four genotypes were selected; two low accumulators (BL-1176 and BA-1079) and two hyper accumulators (LA-2662 and LO-2840) for iron. Selected genotypes were grown hydroponically with three iron levels (0.5, 2.5 and 4.5ppm) to cross check the potential of these genotypes for iron accumulation in fruit under controlled conditions. All traits showed significance interaction of genotype with environment except fruit pH, which was not affected by iron treatment. The GxE interaction was checked through biplot analysis and it was observed that fruit iron concentration increased with increase in iron level. The genotype LO-2840 was identified as the best iron accumulator both in field and hydroponic conditions and is recommended for use in breeding program for the development of nutrient enriched varieties.
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