Seed quality (Zn and Fe concentrations) of wheat varieties

A lab study was conducted to assess the Zn and Fe concentration and contents of different wheat varieties to provide an insight into the quality of the seed for human consumption and itʹs resowing for better crop harvest. The zinc, iron, copper and manganese concentrations in the seed of the 9 wheat varieties ranged between 15.917-43.623, 57.542-106.826, 4.529-8.591 and 25.574-44.689 mg.kg-1 dry weight basis respectively. Only Duma from the 9 varieties used fulfill the quality standard set by World Health Organization (WHO, 2006) and had high Zn concentration more than 41 mg.kg-1, whereas this variety was the only one of seed varieties had less than 57 mg Fe Kg-1 and not fulfill the quality standard set by WHO. Therefore, there is low sufficient genetic variability to develop wheat varieties with increased Zn levels in the grain and there is promising genetic variability for Fe.