Soil Sample Analysis
The soil samples from the fields of CRP-biofortification and multiple sowing conditions were collected from their respective IARI-Indore fields. They were analyzed for available iron and zinc content; and found that Fe and Zn contents in soil were in sufficient range required for normal plant growth requirements.
| Sr No | Sample ID | Fe (g/kg) | Zn (g/kg) |
| 1 | Indore I | 39.47 | 47.52 |
| 2 | Indore II | 46.94 | 48.70 |
| 3 | Indore III | 41.88 | 48.56 |
Generation Mean analysis Trial: Six generations i.e., P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 for three cross combinations were conducted to study the gene action for grain yield as well as quality traits like grain Fe, Zn and other quality traits. All the above three trials will be continued for one more year for evaluation of G ×E interactions for their performance.
Molecular Characterization of Quality Breeding material: Attempts were made to validate SSR markers linked to high yellow pigments viz., SCAR 807, YP7A Xgpw4050, Xbarc84, Xcfa2240, Xgwm129 and Xgwm150 in high and low yellow pigment durum genotypes. Eight genotypes were amplified using SCAR 807 marker among which five genotypes viz., NIDW 73, Jay, Meghdoot, B-206 and PDW 233 have shown amplification of single band at 465 bp, and two genotypes viz., HI 8713 and WH 896 amplified both the phytoene synthase bands (465 bp and 967 bp). The two genotypes HI 8713 and WH 896 with high yellow pigment content showed positive amplicon for phytoene synthase. Another SSR marker YP7A linked to phytoene synthase on chromosome 7A was used to amplify four durum wheat genotypes viz., Meghdoot, HI 8498, HI 8713 and WH 896. The PCR amplification showed single amplicon for Meghdoot at ~ 200bp and two amplicons for HI 8713 and WH 896 (~ 200bp and between 300-400bp). The two durum wheat genotypes HI 8713 and WH 896 showed positive alleles for both the yellow pigment linked molecular markers i.e. SCAR 807 and YP7A; and also high yellow pigment content and hence these genotypes will be used as donors for improving yellow pigment in durum wheat.
Fifty three stable durum lines from high fertility and restricted irrigation conditions quality breeding material were screened with SCAR 807 (Dominant SSR marker) linked to high yellow pigment and among 53 lines, 39 lines showed amplicon for high yellow pigment, hence SCAR 807 marker can be used for early generation quality breeding material screening.