Biofortification of Staple Crops to Alleviate Human Malnutrition: Contributions and Potential in Developing Countries

Agronomy

Aysha Kiran¹  Hafsa¹  Rafia Mubaraka²  Abdul Wakeel³  Stephan M. Haefele⁴  Khalid Mahmood⁴ 

[1] Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;Department of Geography, University of Koblenz-Landau, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK;

关键词: micronutrients;    developing countries;    agronomic biofortification;    genetic biofortification;    malnutrition;    hidden hunger;   

DOI  :  10.3390/agronomy12020452

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health challenge affecting almost half of the global population, causing poor physical and mental development of children and a wide range of illnesses. It is most prevalent in young girls, women, and pre-school children who are suffering particularly from the low consumption of vitamins and micronutrients. Given this global challenge, biofortification has proven to be a promising and economical approach to increase the concentration of essential micronutrients in edible portions of staple crops. Produce quality and micronutrient content can be further enhanced with the use of micronutrient fertilizers. Especially developing countries with a high percentage of malnourished populations are attracted to this integrated biofortification, combining modern agronomic interventions and genetic improvement of food crops. Consequently, maize, rice, wheat, beans, pearl millet, sweet potato, and cassava have all been biofortified with increased concentrations of Fe, Zn, or provitamin A in various developing countries. Today, there are several large-scale success stories in Africa and Asia that support the research and development of biofortified crops. In this review, we summarized what has been achieved to date and how edible crops can be further improved by integrating agronomic and genetic strategies to upgrade the nutritional status of children and adults around the world.

【 授权许可】

Unknown