ENHANCING THE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF WHEAT: A REVIEW OF AGRONOMIC AND GENETIC BIOFORTIFICATION APPROACHES: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop that provides the primary caloric intake for a significant portion of the global population. Despite its central role in food security, modern cultivars are inherently deficient in key micronutrients such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). These deficiencies contribute to hidden hunger, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and remain a pressing public health challenge. Addressing the nutritional gap in wheat has therefore become a major priority in agricultural and nutritional research. Objective: This review aims to explore the role of biofortification strategies in enhancing the nutritional profile of wheat, with a focus on increasing Fe and Zn content to reduce the global burden of micronutrient malnutrition. Main Discussion Points: The discussion highlights two major approaches to biofortification. Agronomic strategies, such as soil and foliar applications of micronutrient fertilizers, provide immediate but short-term benefits that are strongly influenced by environmental factors. Genetic biofortification, through conventional breeding, QTL mapping, and marker-assisted selection, offers a more sustainable pathway by developing cultivars with improved capacity to accumulate Fe and Zn. Exploration of high-mineral germplasm, wild relatives, and pigmented wheat varieties further expands the potential for nutritional enhancement. Emerging microbial and biotechnological interventions also show promise in complementing these strategies. Conclusion: Biofortification represents a sustainable solution to combat micronutrient deficiencies, but its success depends on integrating agronomic, genetic, and biotechnological approaches while ensuring agronomic performance and consumer acceptance. Future efforts should focus on optimizing nutrient bioavailability, accelerating breeding efficiency, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations to translate scientific progress into tangible public health benefits.