Genetic Variability in Nutritional Profile of Elite Maize Genotypes

The present investigations were conducted to explore the genetic variability in nutritional profile of twenty three elite maize genotypes received from various AICRP maize centres located across India. Protein content did not show any significant variation. However, a significant variation was observed in the protein quality viz; tryptophan (0.30 to 0.77) and lysine (1.14 to 2.96 per cent of protein) content in present genotypes. Starch content did not vary significantly. Oil content in seeds was found to vary from 3–5 per cent on dry weight basis. Wide variability was observed in the carotenoid and β carotene content. Carotenoid content ranged from 16.05 to 32.33 percent, whereas the β -carotene was found to vary from 1.08 to 8.6 per cent. The variability observed in the nutritional profile of present genotypes could be utilized for developing nutritionally superior maize cultivars.