Agronomic biofortification of cowpea with zinc: Variation in primary metabolism responses and grain nutritional quality among 29 diverse genotypes

Dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread globally, and particularly prevalent in low- middle-income countries (LMICs). Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) consumed widely LMICs due to its high protein content, has potential for use agronomic biofortification strategies using Zn. This study aimed evaluate the effect of Zn on grain nutritional quality 29 cowpea genotypes. application did not increase yield. In 11 genotypes sucrose concentration, 12 total sugar 27 storage concentration increased response supply. Fifteen had lower concentrations amino acids under application, which are likely have been converted into proteins, mostly comprised albumin. Phytic acid (PA) PA/Zn molar ratio were decreased application. Six shoot ureides fertilization, indicating improvements biological nitrogen fixation. provides valuable information by increasing soluble decreasing PA concentration. These results might be useful future breeding programs aiming through biofortification.