Iron Biofortification Potential of Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)

Abstract

Iron (Fe) deficiency affects more than 3 billion of the global population. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the genetic and environmental variation of seed Fe concentration and food matrix factors that govern Fe bioavailability in field peas (Pisum sativum L.) grown in North Dakota, USA in 2010 and 2011, and (2) determine the genetic variation of Fe uptake by field pea grown under greenhouse conditions with different Fe treatments. Seed Fe concentration in field pea samples from the field study ranged between 46-53 mg/kg with a mean of 51 mg/kg. Mean concentrations of the food matrix factors in those field peas were as follows: phytic acid=5.1 mg/g, xanthophyll=17.3 mg/100 g, canthaxanthin=86.8 mg/100 g, beta-carotene=516.8 μg/100 g, kestose=1697 mg/100g, quercetin=54.3 mg/100 g, and ferulic acid=46.9 mg/100 g. DS Admiral and CDC Golden showed high concentrations of Fe promoter compounds and low concentrations of phytic acid. DS Admiral showed high Fe uptake with increasing Fe fertilizer rates in the greenhouse study. Therefore, DS Admiral and CDC Golden could be potential field pea genotypes for future Fe biofortification efforts.