Biofortification of common bean ( <i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.) with iron and zinc: Achievements and challenges

Micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger), particularly in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), remain one of the most serious public health challenges, affecting more than three billion people globally. A number strategies are used to ameliorate problem micronutrient improve nutritional profile food products. These include (i) dietary diversification, (ii) industrial fortification supplements, (iii) agronomic approaches including soil mineral fertilisation, bioinoculants crop rotations, (iv) biofortification through implementation biotechnology gene editing plant breeding. efforts must consider patterns culinary preferences consumer stakeholder acceptance new biofortified varieties. Deficiencies Zn Fe often linked poor status agricultural soils, resulting low amounts and/or availability these nutrients staple crops such as common bean. This review describes genes processes associated with accumulation bean, a significant source Africa that plays an important role security. We discuss conventional breeding, transgenic being deployed beans. also requirements successful bean programmes, highlighting gaps current knowledge, possible solutions future perspectives.