Journal of Environmental Biology

Kernel density as a population-screening tool for low phytic acid content in maize (Zea mays L.)

S.M. Indhu¹, R. Ravikesavan¹, N. Senthil², C. Thiyagarajan³, F. Hossain⁴ and A.J. Joel²*     

¹Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, India

²Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, India

³Department of Sericulture, Forest college and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam – 641 301, India

⁴Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India

Received: 01 February 2024                   Revised: 12 March 2024                   Accepted: 04 May 2024

*Corresponding Author Email : jnjoel@gmail.com                      *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7994-7365

Abstract

Aim: The present study was performed to find association of morphological traits with kernel phytic acid.

Methodology: A set of 20 qualitative phenotypic observations were studied in 29 diverse germplasms and two F₂ populations. Further correlated traits were quantitatively verified for their correlation and heritability.

Results: Maize kernels characterized by low phytate content correlated with reduced seed density traits. Further insights from scanning electron microscopic studies revealed alterations in the distribution pattern of starch granules, among low and high phytate genotypes. Heritability studies indicated a strong heritable nature of the traits viz., kernel density, inorganic phosphorous and phytic acid, and were found to be inter correlated.

Interpretation: Intercorrelation and heritable nature of the trait is viewed as a ‘risk index’ that directly influences the success of genetic selection for the phytic acid trait which is highly complex and involves more laboratory experimentation. The selected genotypes may be further screened using biochemical analysis for confirmation.

Key words: Correlation, F₂ population, Germplasm, Kernel density, Maize, Phytic acid

Copyright © 2024 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).