Genome‐wide association study reveals the genetic architecture of five grain minerals in North American spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract Biofortification aims to reduce the prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition in vulnerable populations by breeding staple crops with an increase in nutrient density. Assessing the phenotypic variation of grain minerals and their genetic control under common management practices can provide a strong foundation for nutrition‐related trait improvement. This study conducted a marker‐trait association (MTA) analysis of five grain minerals (calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper), plant height, 1000‐kernel weight, and grain protein content in a spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) population. A set of 234 elite breeding lines and cultivars was phenotyped in five environments and genotyped using the Illumina 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. A total of 8339 polymorphic markers were used to identify 62 out of 111 MTAs for grain mineral traits spanning 19 chromosomes. Fourteen MTAs were identified in more than one environment, with an MTA for grain iron significant in three environments. Previously reported grain mineral MTAs and those identified in the present study showed dense clustering on 13 chromosomes, primarily in the A and B genomes. Significant SNPs for grain calcium and zinc located on chromosomes 5A and 2B, respectively, were reported in earlier studies and could be potential targets for multi‐trait improvement. This study provides the baseline variability and biofortification potential of North American wheat germplasm.