Fe and Zn content of various genetic background of released rice varieties in Indonesia

Fe and Zinc deficiency is one of the most prevalence micro nutrient disorder in Indonesia. Increasing of Fe and Zn content in rice grain is expected to be useful to reduce the micronutrient deficiency. This research was aimed to identify rice varieties containing high Fe and Zn content and initially study the correlation among some related traits. The experiment was conducted in October – December 2016 by testing 176 released varieties and 4 elite rice lines. The samples were prepared as brown rice. Fe and Zn contents were measured using XRF Oxford machine which is validated by ICP method. The results showed that Fe content of the tested genotypes is normally distributed ranged from 9.70 ppm to 17.40 ppm with the mean of 13.03 ppm and the Zn content is not normally distributed ranged from 15.80 ppm to 31.10 ppm with the mean of 22.41 ppm. Majority of the released rice varieties in Indonesia had lower Fe and Zn content compared to the most popular variety, Ciherang (12.20 ppm and 24.70 ppm). Kalimutu had the highest both for Fe and Zn content (17.40 ppm and 31,10 ppm). Fe and Zn content are positively correlated and breeding effort for both traits is prospective.