Identification of genomic Regions/genes for high iron and zinc content and cross transferability of SSR markers in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Among the legumes, mungbean has highest digestive protein but low micronutrient content like iron and zinc. Biofortification of mungbean has been undertaken to reduce micronutrient malnutrition. The objectives of this study were to identify QTLs for seed Fe and Zn content in F₆ recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (ML776 x Sattya). A large genetic variation and transgressive segregation in RILs were observed for Fe and Zn content. Linkage map was developed which spanned 2919.7cM distance. 17 QTLs (2 for iron and 15 for zinc content) were mapped on four linkage groups; LG 4, LG 6, LG 7 and LG 11 in mungbean. The genomic regions qZn-4-3 and qFe-4-1 on chromosome 4 between PVBR82-BM210 markers; qZn-11-2 and qFe-11-1 on chromosome11 between BM141-BM184 markers, were co-located on the same chromosomal regions for Zn or Fe concentration, which probably were closely linked to each other, or were the same pleiotropic QTLs. The SSR markers associated with QTLs for both high iron and zinc content would also be useful in marker assisted breeding for biofortification in mungbean.