Abstract
The emphasis of this research was to assess the genotypes which were rich in iron and zinc content in their grains. Genetic
diversity was estimated for zinc and iron content in grains along with agro-morphological traits directly related to yield in 85
diverse wheat genotypes. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of Plant Breeding and Genetics Department,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad using replicated randomized complete block design during 2013-14. The results depicted
highly significant differences among all the traits i.e., iron & zinc content in grains, flag leaf area, peduncle length, spikelets
per spike, grains per spike, thousand grain weight and grain yield per plant. Mean values of all the traits indicated the presence
of genetic variability. WHEAR-TUKURU-WHEAR (83.30 mg/kg), MARVI-2000 (80.98 mg/kg) and PRL'S'/PVN (80.27
mg/kg) had highest means among other genotypes for iron and 89.77 mg/kg, 85.14 mg/kg and 88.49 mg/kg for zinc,
respectively. Grain content for iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) showed positive and significant correlation among them and with yield
related traits as well. Cluster analysis grouped germplasm into six clusters on the basis of studied mineral content and agromorphological traits. Cluster 4 contained 10 genotypes showing the best performance for most of the traits contributing for
high grain mineral content and high yield. It was suggested that ample genetic diversity was present in the germplasm for the
uptake of iron and zinc along with high yield potential. Moreover, it was concluded that selection for micronutrient efficiency
could be achieved without affecting yield potential.
