Agrotechnology

Assessment of zinc variability in tomato germplasm lines: An option for biofortification by introgression breeding

2^nd International Conference on Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad, India February 03-05, 2014

G J Pavithra, Mahesh Salimath, Karaba N Nataraja, and Shankar A G

Posters: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

Micronutrient malnutrition affects billions of people and continues to impose substantial health, economic and social burdens worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential micronutrients crucial for both plants and humans. It is an exceptional micronutrient in respect to its diverse and critical functions in biological systems such as maintenance of structural and functional integrity of biological membranes and as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes. Zn deficiency is one of the major yield limiting factors. The major limitation for plant to acquire Zn may be due to low content in soil or problem in uptake and translocation within plant system. In this context, 35 germplasm lines and 6 leading agronomically superior varieties of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) were screened for Zn content in leaf, root, shoot and fruit pulp. The parameters like plant height, shoot dry weight, and fruit yield was recorded in these lines. Earlier studies and germplasm description indicated that variability exist among germplasm lines for fruit size, colour, disease resistance and yield. Perhaps variability in Zn content was not indicated. Zn content analysed in leaf, root, shoot, and fruit pulp were correlated with the recorded parameters and contrast lines for Zn content were identified. The elite germplasm line with high Zn content may be used for the breeding approach or to prospect candidate gene for improving nutritional value. It is a win-win situation where in both crop productivity and human health concern can be addressed.

Biography :

G J Pavithra has completed her BSc (Ag) at College of Agriculture Hassan and M.Sc. (Ag) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. She achieved first class grade with distinction in M.Sc. (Ag) and secured university gold medal. Presently, she is pursuing Ph.D. in Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. Her major area of research is to understand the relevance of zinc transporters in uptake and translocation, and biofortification of plant foods through genetic engineering.