Biofortification Approaches to Enhance Grain Mineral Nutrient Concentration in Relation to Zinc–A Review

Y.Sharath Kumar Reddy; V.Ravindra Babu; G. Eswara Reddy; Y.Deepthi Kiran; Pavan Kumar Reddy Yerasi; B.Nagendra Reddy; D.Venkatesh babu

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Biofortification Approaches to Enhance Grain Mineral Nutrient Concentration in Relation to Zinc–A Review

Y. Sharath Kumar Reddy, V. Ravindra Babu, G. Eswara Reddy, Y. Deepthi Kiran, Pavan Kumar Reddy Yerasi, B. Nagendra Reddy, D. Venkatesh Babu

Abstract :

Globally, micronutrient malnutrition alone afflicts more than two billion people, mostly among resource–poor families in developing countries, with Zn, Fe, I and vitamin A deficiencies most prevalent. More than five million childhood deaths occur from micronutrient malnutrition every year. Currently, mineral malnutrition is considered to be among the most serious global challenges to human kind and is avoidable. Among different micronutrients, zinc deficiency is a well–documented problem in food crops, causing decreased crop yields and nutritional quality. Generally, the regions in the world with Zn–deficient soils are also characterized by widespread Zn deficiency in humans. Recent estimates indicate that nearly half of world population suffers from Zn deficiency. Cereal crops play an important role in satisfying daily calorie intake in developing world, but they are inherently very low in Zn concentrations in grain, particularly when grown on Zn–deficient soils. The reliance on cereal–based diets may induce Zn deficiency–related health problems in humans, such as impairments in physical development, immune system and ain function. Among the strategies being discussed as major solution to Zn deficiency, biofortification appears to be a most sustainable and cost–effective approach useful in improving Zn concentrations in grain. Scientific evidence shows this is technically feasible without compromising agronomic productivity.