Iron (Fe) deficiency remains a major problem of nutrient disorder worldwide. Increasing genetic variability is crucial for breeding efforts to enhance Fe content in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains. The presented study sought to identify genetic variability of Indonesian rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes based on agronomic traits and grain Fe content, consisting of local varieties from Aceh (12), Riau (19), and Java (5). Likewise, other samples were two improved lines and two released biofortified varieties as checks. The study materialized in Central Java, Indonesia during the dry season of 2023, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. The Fe content measurement in brown rice samples used the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method in the laboratory of the BRIN, Jakarta, Indonesia. The results indicated the tested genotypes had wide genetic variability. The Fe content revealed low heritability, and the other traits had medium to high heritability. The group of Java local variety had a higher Fe content than the other groups. The discovery of genotypes with high grain Fe content and acceptable yield performance emerged from this study, suggesting the prospect of their utilization in future rice biofortification efforts.
Rice (O. sativa L.), agronomic traits, biofortification, Fe, genetic variability
Rice (O. sativa L.) genotype Menor and Padi Malang-2 had the combination of high Fe content, shorter growth duration, and high yield. These genotypes were prospective for further utilization in future biofortification efforts.