Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Biological Yield, Iron and Zinc Accumulation, and Indirect Mineral Bioavailability in Spring Wheat Mutant Lines

Gamma irradiation is an effective mutagenesis approach for developing wheat lines with improved agronomic performance and enhanced nutritional quality. This study evaluated the effects of gamma irradiation on biological yield, protein content, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), phytic acid concentration, and mineral bioavailability in mutant lines derived from three spring wheat cultivars (Zhenis, Almaken, and Eritrospermum-35). Mutant lines developed following 100 Gy and 200 Gy gamma irradiation were compared with their respective parental cultivars. Biological yield, protein, Fe and Zn concentrations, phytic acid content, and phytate-to-iron (Phy:Fe) and phytate-to-zinc (Phy:Zn) molar ratios were determined. Gamma irradiation affected biological yield and enhanced iron and zinc accumulation while reducing phytic acid concentration and phytate molar ratios, resulting in improved potential mineral bioavailability. In general, mutant lines developed at 100 Gy exhibited the most favorable combination of high biological yield, increased Fe and Zn concentrations, reduced phytic acid content, and improved mineral bioavailability. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly separated mutant lines from their parental cultivars and identified superior genotypes associated with high biological yield, enhanced mineral accumulation, and lower phytate-related indices. Overall, these findings demonstrate that gamma irradiation, particularly at 100 Gy, is an effective strategy for improving biological yield, iron and zinc accumulation, and potential mineral bioavailability in spring wheat mutant lines, providing valuable genetic resources for future wheat biofortification programs.