The breeder's tool-box for enhancing the content of esterified carotenoids in wheat: From extraction and profiling of carotenoids to marker-assisted selection of candidate genes

Abstract

Carotenoid esterification is a new target for cereal biofortification since esterification increases both accumulation and stability of carotenoids. A xanthophyll acyl transferase is responsible for carotenoid esterification in the endosperm of wheat and related cereals. In this chapter we describe the procedures for transferring the carotenoid esterification attribute into wheat using the wild barley Hordeum chilense as donor of the esterification trait, the outline of the breeding program and the protocols for marker assisted selection and the analysis of carotenoids in grain. Biofortified cereals with increased lutein ester content will help to reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration in human populations with limited access to other dietary sources.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Carotenoid; Esterification; Hordeum chilense; Lutein; Wheat; Xanthophyll acyl transferase.