Potential of Cassava Clones for Iron, Zinc, and Selenium Biofortification

Karini Aparecida Matos Inacio, Nancy Carrasco Farfan, Carlos Eduardo Xisto Azevedo, Marco Antônio Gomes Polatto, Natã Souza Carrion, Polliany Vitória Santos Mendes, Nikolas Souza Mateus and Elcio Ferreira Santos ()
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Karini Aparecida Matos Inacio: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil
Nancy Carrasco Farfan: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil
Carlos Eduardo Xisto Azevedo: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil
Marco Antônio Gomes Polatto: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil
Natã Souza Carrion: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil
Polliany Vitória Santos Mendes: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil
Nikolas Souza Mateus: Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13416-000, SP, Brazil
Elcio Ferreira Santos: Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, Nova Andradina 79750-000, MS, Brazil

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crucial staple food in South America, providing starchy storage roots that contribute to the sustenance of millions. To address deficiencies in iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), a global initiative is underway to identify plant species and genotypes that naturally accumulate these nutrients for human consumption, such as cassava. In this way, this study aims to identify potential cassava genotypes for biofortification in Fe, Zn, and Se, while also improving the overall cassava yield. We evaluated the accumulation potential of Fe, Zn, and Se in 20 South American cassava genotypes under traditional growing conditions, concurrently examining their photosynthetic and growth characteristics. Cassava roots exhibited Zn content ranging from 3.20 to 8.56 mg kg −1 , Fe content from 2.20 to 10.73 mg kg −1 , and Se content from 1.20 to 9.43 µg kg −1 (expressed on a dry basis). Genotypes MS018, DG014, and DG839 emerged as promising candidates for biofortification programs, displaying elevated levels of Fe, Zn, and Se, coupled with superior photosynthetic capacity. These genotypes, recommended for biofortification programs, also demonstrated increased yield potential. The findings from this study contribute to the development of cassava genotypes with enhanced agronomic biofortification and elevated yield potential.

Keywords: Manihot esculenta; gas exchange; human malnutrition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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