Potential of cassava clones enriched with β-carotene and lycopene for zinc biofortification under different soil Zn conditions

Abstract

BACKGROUND: zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major human health concern worldwide, and biofortification (genetic and agronomic) is a complementary solution for increasing micronutrient contents, including Zn. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has been used for Zn biofortification because it is an important staple crop in most countries affected by malnutrition and Zn deficiency. Thus studies on biofortification of this crop can improve its nutritional quality. Zn content in cassava clones enriched with β‐carotene or lycopene and cultivated under different areas and soil managements was investigated to evaluate the influence of genotypic variation and agronomic management on Zn status in the plant. RESULTS: a clone‐specific response to total Zn content in the soil was found, with clones 26, 215, and 240 (β‐carotene enriched) and clones 341 and 395 (lycopene enriched) being the most responsive. For both experiments, there was a positive interaction between total soil Zn and Zn content in the roots. CONCLUSIONS: our results suggest that, by combining plant breeding and agronomic strategies, it is possible to enrich cassava roots with both zinc and β‐carotene or lycopene.