Characterization of grain iron and zinc in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus culinaris) and analysis of their genetic diversity using SSR markers

Abstract

Forty-one elite lentil lines were studied for stability of grain Fe and Zn concentration across three locations (New Delhi, Ludhiana and Pantnagar) in India. The stability analysis was carried using Eberhart and Russel’s stability model. Pooled analysis of variance over locations revealed highly significant differences between genotypes, locations and genotype × location interaction. The maximum mean for grain Fe concentration over the locations was obtained for L 4704 (136.91 mg/kg grain), while for grain Zn concentration was highest for VL 141 (81.542 mg/kg grain). The highest mean grain Fe and Zn was recorded at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (Fe-87.30 mg/kg and Zn-68.602 mg/kg). Although both micronutrients were influenced by environment, grain Fe showed more G × E interaction in comparison to grain Zn concentration. Six lentil genotypes exhibited stability for grain Fe concentration and fifteen genotypes for grain Zn concentration were identified. The studied genotypes with diverse micronutrients concentration were analysed for molecular diversity using 32 polymorphic SSR markers. These markers amplified a total of 130 bands with PIC value ranging from 0.138 to 0.798. Based on SSR allelic diversity, genotypes were grouped in two major clusters. The clustering pattern indicated variability in the studied lines. On the basis of genetic diversity for micronutrient concentration, ten crosses are suggested for hybridization purpose to obtain the transgressive segregants. The combined analysis of multi-location phenotyping and genetic diversity further suggests six potential crosses for developing micronutrient rich varieties for the future.