The micronutrient content in underutilized crops: the Lupinus mutabilis sweet case

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Human Nutrition
• Food Security

Background:

• Micronutrient deficiencies affect over two billion people globally.
• Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), boron (B), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) are essential micronutrients.
• Ancestral Peruvian crops like tarwi offer potential for biofortification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore micronutrient variability in tarwi seeds.
• To select biofortified tarwi genotypes without compromising seed size and weight.
• To identify tarwi as a sustainable solution for micronutrient disorders.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of micronutrient content (Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn) in tarwi seeds.
• Correlation analysis between micronutrient levels and seed characteristics (size, weight).
• Selection of superior tarwi accessions based on nutritional profile and agronomic traits.

Main Results:

• Tarwi seeds are naturally rich in iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and boron (B).
• Boron (B) content positively correlated with seed size and weight.
• Copper (Cu) content showed a negative correlation with seed size and weight.
• Six accessions (P14, P16, P21, T05, T08, T25) were identified as biofortified for Fe, Zn, B with adequate Cu and Mn.

Conclusions:

• Selected tarwi accessions are valuable for breeding programs targeting micronutrient deficiencies.
• Tarwi biofortification offers a low-cost strategy to enhance Peruvian biodiversity and public health.
• This research provides a foundation for developing food-based solutions to prevent widespread micronutrient disorders.