Genetic Variability for Micronutrient Content and Tuber Yield Traits among Biofortified Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones in Ethiopia

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Almost 2 billion people worldwide, especially in developing countries, are suffer due to micronutrient deficiencies, sometimes known as “hidden hunger”. In Ethiopia, diet-related iron and zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue. The potato has the potential to be a significant iron and zinc source. A total of 45 potato genotypes, including the variety Gudanie, were grown in field trials in a 9 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. In the present study, high heritability estimates along with high genetic advance as percent of mean were obtained for average tuber number, tuber yield, and Zn concentration. The broad-sense heritability for Fe and Zn concentrations found in the tetraploid population is lower than in diploid potato clones. Negative correlations and direct effects on most of the traits with Fe and Zn contents. Therefore, attaining simultaneous genetic gain for yield and enhanced Fe and Zn concentrations will be challenging. Cluster II contained the most prominent genotypes, having better mean values compared to all other genotypes for Fe and Zn. In conclusion, more sites, including more genotypes, are needed to find a variety with high Fe and Zn contents and while taking into good tuber yield. ABSTRACT: Malnutrition is one of the global issues of public health concern, and iron and zinc deficiencies are at the top of the list. Iron deficiency affects more than 2 billion people in the world and is a major cause of anemia. Potato has the potential to be an important source of iron and zinc. This study assessed the nature and magnitude of genetic variability in Fe and Zn concentrations, tuber yield, and quality traits among biofortified tetraploid potato clones and their relationships through correlation and path analysis. A total of 45 potato genotypes, including the variety Gudanie, were grown in field trials in a 9 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. Significant differences in mineral, tuber quality, and yield traits were observed among the genotypes, and high broad-sense heritability was obtained for most traits, suggesting that progress through breeding can be achieved. However, negative correlations and direct effects on most of the traits with Fe and Zn contents are found both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Therefore, attaining simultaneous genetic gain for yield and enhanced Fe and Zn concentrations will be challenging. Cluster analysis assembled them into five groups. Cluster II contained the most prominent genotypes, having better mean values compared to all other genotypes for micronutrient traits, viz., Fe (23.80 mg kg(−1)) and Zn (17.07 mg kg(−1)). The results of this study confirm the presence of sufficient genetic variation for iron and zinc mineral concentration and the possibility to make significant progress through breeding.