Protein quality improvement in maize opaque-2 lines [Zea mays L. - Emilia-Romagna - Lombardy - Veneto]
2001
Berardo, N. | Bertolini, M. | Verderio, A. (Istituto Sperimentale per la Cerealicoltura, Rome (Italy)) | Bonardi, P. | Lorenzoni, C. (Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza (Italy). Istituto di Botanica e Genetica Vegetale)
The protein of maize seed possesses a low biological value due to a high proportion of zein, a fraction poor in lysine and tryptophan amino acids, essential for monogastric animals. However, some mutants (called "high-lysine") are known, which, by reducing zein accumulation, enhance the levels of protein fractions richer in the desired amino acids. Particularly efficient in this sense appears the mutant opaque-2 (o2), that can lower till to a half the zeine content. In spite of its well demonstrated nutritional value, the diffusion of o2 maize as a crop appears limited due to several negative aspects (low test weight, high grain moisture at harvest, susceptibility to ear rot). Selection within suitable populations characterized by a more compact kernel structure can overcome these drawbacks. The results of the breeding program performed at this aim in the years 1995-2000 are here reported
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