Breeding for Iron-dense Rice in Bangladesh

Fifty rice varieties collected under different categories from various sources were grown at the BRRI field during the 2001 transplant aman season ( July–November). Precautions were taken during harvest and processing to prevent mineral contamination. All samples were hand-pounded before being analyzed for iron and zinc content. The iron and zinc content varied considerably within the different categories of rice measured. Overall, the local varieties had a higher content of iron and zinc than highyielding varieties. Furthermore, the present study confirms that the aromatic rice varieties in general have higher iron and zinc content than non-aromatic rice varieties. A positive correlation between the iron and zinc content of milled rice was found in the varieties measured. Based on preliminary iron and zinc data, the researchers selected about 34 varieties as parent materials for use in the breeding program. The Breeding Division of BRRI has undertaken a crossing program to incorporate or accumulate iron-density regulatory genes in popular modern varieties of rice.