Indian Society of Genetics & Plant Breeding
This study was carried out to ascertain the potential of
Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes for attaining
desirable kernel iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations.
Forty two QPM hybrids generated out of seven inbreds
varied significantly for kernel Fe and Zn concentrations,
and grain yield at both Hyderabad and Delhi locations
during 2007-2008. Considering both the micronutrient
traits, DQPM-3 × DQPM-2 (Fe=38.46 mg/kg; Zn=39.92 mg/
kg) at Hyderabad; and DQPM-7 × DQPM-3 (Fe=30.06 mg/
kg; Zn=30.69 mg/kg) at Delhi were identified as the most
promising cross combinations. Reciprocal effects for both
the micronutrient traits were observed in some of the cross
combination. The study revealed the influence of
environment in determining the kernel micronutrient traits.
Despite the presence of ‘dilution effect’, superior QPM
hybrids with enriched kernel Fe and Zn concentrations
were identified in the study. Kernel Fe and Zn
concentrations were positively correlated, while no
significant associations were found between either of the
micronutrients with grain yield, suggesting the possibility
of simultaneous improvement of both the kernel
micronutrients without negatively impacting grain yield
in the QPM hybrids.
Keywords: Maize, biofortification, kernel micronutrient, iron, zinc, QPM
Year: 2011
Volume: 71
Issue: 4
Article DOI: N/A
Print ISSN: 0019-5200
Online ISSN: 0975-6906
M. Chakraborti,F. Hossain and Anju M. Singh info_circle
B. M. Prasanna info_circle
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