Assessment of Philippine maize variety CGUARD N39 for high starch as an alternative to rice-corn blend

The Cereals Section of the Institute of Plant Breeding promoted the rice-corn blend which has potential to solve the problem on rice sufficiency in the country. This restitution of technology will also give more opportunities for farmers to increase their corn production and income. For the consumers, cheaper and healthier staple food can be addressed with rice-corn blend. To equate the demand for food, broadening the maize genetic base and breeding for high nutritive value must take place. A farmer's collected variety, CGUARD N39, was analyzed and found to contain high starch and thus underwent genetic improvement. The cooked blend of the rice-improved variety (70:30) was analyzed based on proximate composition. It was compared to the rice-corn (70:30) blends of the original population (C0), IPB Var 6 and pure rice. The analysis showed high significant differences (Pr0.01) in total carbohydrates a starch, amylopectin, and energy value. Pure rice had the highest total carbohydrates (87.31%), starch (65.70%) and amylopectin (49.55%). This signifies the direct relationship between amylopectin and flavor of rice. Rice-IPB Var 6 had the highest amylose (20.64%), thus the variety helps to increase the amylose content of the blend. The rice-improved variety had the highest energy value with 429.22 kCal. The cycle 0 and improved CGUARD N39 gave a moderate glycemic index of 61.94% and 62.27% respectively. For a regular diet, the rice-corn blend of the improved CGUARD N39 gave a moderate glycemic index of 61.94% and 62.27% respectively. For a regular diet, the rice-corn blend of the improved CGUARD N39 is recommended because of its higher energy value and lower amylopectin content compared to pure rice. While having a moderate glycemic index, it can be used as a maintenance food. Overall, CGUARD N39 can be a possible substitute for the rice-corn blend and further research to guarantee that the variety can be an alternative healthy food staple than rice.