OsVIT2 Mutation Increases Fe and Zn of Grain Without Compromising the Growth in Paddy Field

Nearly 2 billion people who reside in developing countries are suffering from nutrient deficiency, also known as hidden hunger. A hidden hunger includes iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency. One of the most efficient solutions to hidden hunger is the biofortification of crops through breeding. In this study, we characterized the mutant 1095_k, which has high grain Fe (~1.4-fold) and Zn (~1.2-fold) concentration compared with wild-type plants for a 5-year field trial. The yield components of 1095_k are similar to wild-type plants in a paddy field. In addition, 1095_k has a non-sense mutation in OsVIT2, a vacuolar localized Fe transporter. F2 crosses between 1095_k and wild type having the mutation showing higher grain Fe and Zn concentration. In contrast, plants without the mutation showed similar element concentrations as the wild type. These results suggest that OsVIT2 would be responsible for high Fe and Zn of grain and the 1095_k would be a useful breeding material for the biofortification of Fe and Zn.

Automated summary

Nearly 2 billion people in developing countries suffer from nutrient deficiency, particularly iron and zinc deficiency. Biofortification of crops through breeding is a promising solution to address this hidden hunger. In this study, a mutant, 1095_k, was characterized for its high grain iron and zinc concentration. The mutant showed similar yield components as the wild type in a 5-year field trial. Further analysis revealed a non-sense mutation in the OsVIT2 gene, a transporter responsible for iron transportation in vacuoles. F2 crosses between 1095_k and wild type with the mutation showed higher grain iron and zinc concentration, indicating the potential of 1095_k as a breeding material for biofortification of iron and zinc.