Molecular and Breeding Approaches to Crop Biofortification

Crop biofortification is a process that enhances the nutritional value of food crops through agricultural practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. The primary goal is to increase the concentration of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A, in staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize. This strategy addresses malnutrition and deficiencies prevalent in vulnerable populations worldwide. Molecular techniques involve identifying and transferring genes responsible for nutrient accumulation, while breeding methods focus on selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits. These approaches not only improve crop yields but also contribute to public health by ensuring access to more nutritious food. Examples include the development of Golden Rice, enriched with vitamin A, and iron-fortified beans. Crop biofortification is considered a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to improve public health, reduce malnutrition, and enhance food security by leveraging natural agricultural processes to produce nutrient-rich crops directly consumed by communities. This book consists of contributions made by international experts. It brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of crop biofortification. This book will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge in this branch.