Improvement in maize grain quality by modifying endosperm/germ ratios.
1991
Kovacs-Schneider, M. | Mathe-Gaspar, G. | Mathe, P. (Agrartud. Egyet., Godollo (Hungary))
The nutritional value of maize grains can be improved in 2 ways, either by increasing the proportion of protein in the endosperm or by increasing the oil content. The first method results in a substantial yield reduction and in the production of hybrids with unfavourable agronomic properties. The second method has proved better, since the nutritional value of grains with a greater oil content is better than that of the commercial hybrids, where the oil content is 3,0-5,0 o/o. No yield reduction was observed when the oil content rose to 8,0-10,0 o/o. A direct increase in the oil content would appear to be more favourable than the use of indirect methods, so experiments were made on modifying the endosperm/germ ratio of a wide range of genetic stocks (genetic stock developed by the authors, the lines IHO and T18, originating from Illinois, and combinations of these). Measurements were made on grain, endosperm and germ mass, oil and protein content in each combination. By means of selection and back-crossing, large-germed lines were obtained with satisfactory kernel mass (above 200 mg), where the protein and oil content of the whole kernel equalled, or sometimes exceeded, that of the Illinois line T18. The best lines were tO-8, TO-47 and Bc-149/b. The lines tested have good combining ability, the yield potential of certain combinations was equivalent to that of standard commercial hybrids.
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