Genetic Variability for Micronutrient Content and Tuber Yield Traits among Biofortified Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones in Ethiopia

Almost 2 billion people worldwide, especially in developing countries, are suffer
due to micronutrient deficiencies, sometimes known as “hidden hunger”. In Ethiopia, diet-related
iron and zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue. The potato has the potential to be a
significant iron and zinc source. A total of 45 potato genotypes, including the variety Gudanie, were
grown in field trials in a 9 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. In the present study,
high heritability estimates along with high genetic advance as percent of mean were obtained for
average tuber number, tuber yield, and Zn concentration. The broad-sense heritability for Fe and Zn
concentrations found in the tetraploid population is lower than in diploid potato clones. Negative
correlations and direct effects on most of the traits with Fe and Zn contents. Therefore, attaining
simultaneous genetic gain for yield and enhanced Fe and Zn concentrations will be challenging.
Cluster II contained the most prominent genotypes, having better mean values compared to all other
genotypes for Fe and Zn. In conclusion, more sites, including more genotypes, are needed to find a
variety with high Fe and Zn contents and while taking into good tuber yield.