Comprehensive assessment of the economic value in tetraploid white-grained food maize (Zea mays L.)

Background. The global white maize market is expected to double by 2050, despite its low yield. This popularity is driven by increased demand for gluten-free products and the development of new food technologies for maize grain and flour. Breeding high-yielding white maize hybrids with improved nutritional properties is essential.

Materials and methods. The material of the study was 238 accessions of tetraploid white maize of early inbreeding (S₂–S₃). The tetraploid white-grained line developed by Acad. V. K. Shumny (Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS) was used as a tester (maternal form). Seed material was reproduced in the steppe zone of the North Caucasian Federal District. The biochemical composition of maize grain was assessed on an IR analyzer SupNir 2750 (China). Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 10.0 software from StatSoft Russia (2023).

Results. A collection was made of 61 S₆ inbred lines with enhanced nutritional properties and improved morphometric traits. Eighteen inbred lines with white grain and white cobs, with increased flour and groat whiteness, were obtained. Twenty-five high-protein lines (15–16%), 16 high-oil lines (4.5–5.0%), 17 high-starch lines (73–74%), and 2 lines with high specific combining ability with Shumny’s tester were selected. The amino acid composition of zein in the caryopses of F₁ test crosses did not reveal outstanding hybrids with such economic value as the accumulation of essential amino acids in zein. The average yield of 18 combinations was 5.08 ± 0.43 t/ha with the trait variation Cv = 34.86%, LSD₀₅ = 0.26 t/ha. It was established that Shumny’s tester in hybrid combinations enhanced plant lodging, so its further use is inappropriate

Conclusion. The collection of tetraploid white maize manifested a number of agronomic traits valuable for hybrid breeding.

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