Genetics of Grain Iron and Zinc Concentration in Pearl Millet

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is an important staple food crop for millions of poor rural households in the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. Owing to its importance for addressing micronutrient malnutrition problem, especially iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration, considerable global efforts are under way to improve its Fe and Zn levels through genetic enhancement. Hence, this book was aimed at investigating some of the factors that have direct bearing on breeding efficiency. These includes gene action, combining ability and heterosis for Fe and Zn, intra-population variance, efficiency of single plant selection, association of grain Fe and Zn concentration with grain yield and key agronomic traits (1000-grain mass and flowering), and response to recurrent selection.