Leveraging the multi-trait donor Pusa Srijan for biofortification and yield improvement in bread wheat.

ABSTRACT: Improving grain nutrition without reducing yield remains a key challenge in wheat breeding. Pusa Srijan (PS), a tall lodging-tolerant genotype rich in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), was evaluated for its potential as a donor to combine nutritional quality with agronomic performance. Families developed from PS were examined across two generations to track genetic progress for yield, grain size, and protein and micronutrient traits. Clear genetic gains were achieved, with grain yield increasing by approximately 0.8 t ha⁻¹ and thousand-grain weight by 3-4 g from F₅ to F₇, while Fe and Zn concentrations were maintained at high levels. Variation among families was significant for all traits, and the heritability of Fe and Zn was high, indicating a strong potential for further selection. The relations

SUBMITTER: Bainsla NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634673 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature