Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with High Grain Zn Content in Polished Rice Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS).

Globally, micronutrient (iron and zinc) enriched rice has been a sustainable and cost-effective solution to overcome malnutrition or hidden hunger. Understanding the genetic basis and identifying the genomic regions for grain zinc (Zn) across diverse genetic backgrounds is an important step to develop biofortified rice varieties. In this case, an RIL population (306 RILs) obtained from a cross between the high-yielding rice variety MTU1010 and the high-zinc rice variety Ranbir Basmati was utilized to pinpoint the genomic region(s) and QTL(s) responsible for grain zinc (Zn) content.