Abstract
Maize underwent domestication from the wild progenitor teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) in the Balsas River valley of Mexico. During domestication and selective breeding, modern maize has probably lost many alleles for kernel size and composition leading to significant disparity in kernel protein content. To address the low protein content in maize kernel than its wild progenitor, we developed and investigated BC1F2:3 population derived from crossing between maize inbred line CML-451 and teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis). The data on ear traits and protein content were recorded on 126 BC1F2:3 individual cobs and parental lines. The protein content of among the BC1F2:3 lines had highly significant variation which varied from 9.53 to 16.49%. The results stipulated that protein content of teosinte introgressed maize lines is improved by 41.42% over CML-451. Proteins content, ear length (cm), ear width (cm), kernel rows/ear and test weight (g) are all significant contributors to maximum diversity among teosinte introgressed maize lines. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis highlighted the diversity among lines; based on protein content and test weight and grouped them into six clusters. Cluster II lines were characterized by higher protein content and test weight values and were considered for wider use in breeding programmes. The results of the investigation highlight the substantial increase in the protein content of the teosinte derived maize lines and therefore indicates critical role of Zea mays ssp. parviglumis in protein biofortification of maize kernels.
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Data availability
All raw data files generated during study were provided in supplementary files. The wild species utilized in the current study is locally adapted Teosinte species of maize; we recommend that authors comply with the IUCN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction and the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. We also ensure that authors followed all procedures in accordance to the guidelines.
Abbreviations
- MP:
-
Maize-parvaglumis
- PCA:
-
Principal component analysis
- PEM:
-
Protein-energy malnutrition
- QPM:
-
Quality protein maize
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the work was supported by the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (India). We are thankful to Department of Soil Science in the same university for providing laboratory facilities for analyzing protein content of genotypes.
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VS, NKS: Concept and Planning; VS, NP: Protein analysis; VS, NKS: Wrote main manuscript, prepared tables and figures, VS, NKS, NP, SV: Reviewed the manuscript; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
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Varalakshmi, S., Singh, N.K., Pareek, N. et al. Assessing potential of teosinte in diversification of maize germplasm for kernel protein. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-02025-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-02025-z