Evaluation of popcorn inbreds and correlation studies for popping and biochemical traits

Nine inbred lines of popcorn were analyzed for popping and biochemical traits during 2011 to identify superior inbred lines for biochemical constituents which are more important for human health as popcorn is mainly consumed as snacks. World Health Organization recommendation for human diet is a good ratio of carbohydrates, fat and protein (60: 25: 15). For a healthy man 56 gm and for women 46 gm proteins are required per day. One serve of 100 gm popcorn will supply 3.2 gm of protein along with fat 7.2 gm and 60.8 gm carbohydrate and the inbred lines under study are rich in protein (10.36–12.78%),fat (3.55–4.86%) and starch(70.57–75.37%) and popping volume is also observed very good which ranges from 2700–6000 ml (per 1000 kernel). DMRPC-11-181 has recorded highest value for popping value i.e. 6000 and followed by DMRPC-11-139 (popping volume is 5600) which are very good for human health because more fibres will be available in human diet which will enhance the digestion. These two inbred lines showed superior values for other biochemical parameters like protein, fat and starch also. Based on this study we can conclude that these lines must be included in hybrid development programme so that rich popcorn snacks and food could make available to the consumers.