title: Assessment of genetic variability for grain nutrients from diverse regions: potential for wheat improvement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A total of 150 bread wheat genotypes representing 121 Indian and 29 Turkish origin were screened for nutrient concentrations and grain protein content. Elemental and grain protein composition were studied by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer and LECO analyser, respectively. The study was performed to determine the variability in nutrient concentrations present in the collected wheat genetic material from two countries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several fold variations among genotypes existed for almost all the elements. Three major components of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 60.8% variation among the genotypes. Nutrient variables segregated into two groups, one group containing all the macroelements except sulphur; and another cluster containing proteins and all the microelements except Zn and Mn. Pearson correlation analysis and heat-map were in accordance with each other determining strong positive association between P-K, Mn-Zn, Mg-S and Cu-protein content. Also, PCA and hierarchical grouping divided all the Indian and Turkish genotypes in two main clusters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nutritional profile differentiated the genotypes from two countries into separate groups. However, some of the varieties were closely associated and indicated the success of global wheat exchange programs. While most of the correlations were in agreement with the previous studies, non-association of zinc with grain protein content directed towards its control by some other genetic factors. Some of the experimental wheat varieties with promising nutrient content have been suggested for future wheat advancement programs. Results obtained will be supportive for breeders involved in wheat biofortification programs, food industries and people relying on whole grain wheat products.
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of Selcuk, 42250 Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Anamika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of Selcuk, 42250 Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mohd Kamran
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of Selcuk, 42250 Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Erdogan E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Hakki
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, 211007 India.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of Selcuk, 42250 Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hamurcu
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of Selcuk, 42250 Konya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sait
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gezgin
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozge
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gizlenci
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Program, Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara Turkey.
authors.forename: Mahinur S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Akkaya
keywords: Bread wheat; Geographical origin; Grain protein content; Macronutrient; Micronutrient