Leveraging the multi-trait donor Pusa Srijan for biofortification and yield improvement in bread wheat

Improving grain nutrition without reducing yield remains a key challenge in wheat breeding. Pusa Srijan (PS), a tall lodging-tolerant genotype rich in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), was evaluated for its potential as a donor to combine nutritional quality with agronomic performance. Families developed from PS were examined across two generations to track genetic progress for yield, grain size, and protein and micronutrient traits. Clear genetic gains were achieved, with grain yield increasing by approximately 0.8 t ha⁻¹ and thousand-grain weight by 3-4 g from F₅ to F₇, while Fe and Zn concentrations were maintained at high levels. Variation among families was significant for all traits, and the heritability of Fe and Zn was high, indicating a strong potential for further selection. The relationships among traits showed that Fe contributed positively to yield, allowing micronutrient improvement without compromising productivity. Several PS-derived families combined yielded above 7 t ha⁻¹ with Fe > 45 ppm and Zn > 40 ppm, demonstrating simultaneous enhancement of yield and grain nutrition. These findings establish Pusa Srijan as a valuable donor for breeding high-yielding and nutritionally enriched wheat varieties, contributing to the long-term goal of improving food and nutritional security.