Variation in micronutrient and macronutrient concentrations in grain of four wheat genotypes grown in Albaha region, Saudi Arabia

Major dependence on wheat-based foods with low bioavailability of nutrients led to high malnutrition rates, especially in developing counties. Four wheat genotypes (Albelad (BE), Aldwasair (AD), Australia (AU) and Najran (NJ)) grown in Albaha region were analyzed for the first time for the variation in micronutrient (Se, Mo, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, B and Na) and macronutrient concentrations (P, Ca, Mg and K) in the whole wheat grain using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in order to select genotype of high nutritional value of the wheat for human consumption for further breeding by farmers. Substantial micronutrient variation existed among the four genotypes according to their mean Se, Mo, Zn, and Na concentrations, while macronutrient variation existed in their P and Ca concentrations. The NJ genotype appeared to contain higher concentrations of Se, Na, and Ca than the other genotypes while AU contained higher concentrations of Zn and P than AD, BE, or NJ. The results of this study can provide information about micro- and macro-nutrient enriched wheat genotypes for agricultural strategies aimed at improving the nutritional value of wheat plants.