Variability of Iron and Zinc Concentration in Some Rice Germplasms in Nigeria

Developing rice (Oryza sativa) varieties high in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content is a veritable approach for reversing the increasing trend of micronutrient deficiency affecting sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, including Nigeria. The lack of empirical data on the amount of iron and zinc in rice grains of cultivated varieties hinders breeders’ ability to design effective breeding programs to develop crops rich in vital micronutrients to combat hidden hunger affecting human populations. The objective of this study was to screen available rice germplasms in Nigeria and determine their innate iron and zinc contents as a stepping stone to rice grain quality improvement. This study, therefore, screened sixty-one rice germplasms (48 improved varieties and 13 landraces) for Fe and Zn content. The experiment was carried out in March 2021 at the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State. Samples were prepared and digested, while iron and zinc concentrations were determined with the aid of an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry machine (iCE 300 AA02134104 v1.30). Observations recorded varied significantly for iron and zinc among the various genotypes examined. Many cultivated varieties commonly grown by the farmers exhibited abysmal low Fe and Zn concentrations (FARO-44 (Fe: 4.03, Zn: 4.26), FARO-52 (Fe: 3.43, Zn: 5.09) and FARO-67 (Fe: 3.73, Zn: 4.79). On the other hand, FARO 27 and NGB 00782, with outstanding Fe content of 16.69 mgkg−1, were good sources of Fe, whereas NGB 00791 (16.73 mgkg−1) appeared to be best for Zn. Considering genotypes that combined high content of both Fe and Zn, FARO-16 (Fe: 10.46, Zn: 15.32) and FARO-66 were most suitable for selection as donor parents.