Biochemical evaluation of dent corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes cultivated under rainfed conditions in the hills of north western Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of present study was to investigate protein, oil and fatty acid composition in 11 maize (Zea mays) genotypes collected from diverse locations in the hills of north western Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir in order to get an idea about the extent of variability in these biochemical traits in the local germplasm. The study revealed significant variation in these quality traits. The protein content among the genotypes ranged from 10.7% to 18.7% while oil content varied between 2.26% and 4.80%. Higher protein content in some of the genotypes especially IC-0617877 (18.7%) and IC-0617880 (17.6%) is noteworthy. The saturated fatty acids of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), arachidic (C20:0) and unsaturated fatty acids of oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:1) and elaidic (C18:1) were detected and quantified in these genotypes. Considerable variation has been recorded in fatty acid composition; 13.8-33.4% for palmitic acid, 21.5-48.1% for linoleic acid, 19.2-39% for oleic acid, 0.2-2.4% for elaidic acid, 2.5-8.5% for stearic acid and 0.1-6.6% for arachidic acid. Higher oleic acid content recorded in all the genotypes excepting IC-0617881 is a useful trait. Strikingly, highest oil (4.80%), palmitic acid (33.4%), stearic acid (8.5%) and arachidic acid (6.6%) contents have been recorded in this remarkably cold tolerant genotype with reddish yellow seeds containing moderate protein content of 13.8 %. The appreciable variation in these quality traits could be exploited in breeding programmes for improvement of this crop and opening up new opportunities for its food and industrial end uses.

Bioactive Compounds from Pigmented Corn (Zea mays L.) and Their Effect on Health

“…These potent antioxidants prevent the oxidation of lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and LDL cholesterol, the accumulation of which exacerbates cardiovascular diseases [ 13 ]. Corn contains 0.03 to 0.33% of tocopherols in its oil and its α- and γ-tocopherol forms are the most abundant [ 124 ]. The main function of these compounds is to prevent oxidative stress and the oxidation of linoleic acid (18:2 Δ9,12).…”

“…It has been established that the daily consumption of 1 to 3 g of phytosterols reduces blood cholesterol by 5 to 20%. It is worth mentioning that the average daily consumption is between 200 and 400 mg (White and Weber, 2003) [ 124 ]. According to Raicht et al (1980) [ 127 ] and Fiala et al (1985) [ 128 ], the supplementation of 0.2% β-sitosterol in diets for laboratory animals caused a significant decrease in the incidence of chemically induced colon cancer tumors.…”

Bioactive Compounds from Pigmented Corn (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) and Their Effect on Health

“…These potent antioxidants prevent the oxidation of lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and LDL cholesterol, the accumulation of which exacerbates cardiovascular disease 12 . Corn contains 0.03 to 0.33 % of tocopherols in its oil, and its α-and γ-tocopherol forms are the most abundant 118 . The main function of these compounds is to prevent oxidative stress and oxidation of linoleic acid (18:2 Δ9,12).…”

“…It has been established that the daily consumption of 1 to 3 g of phytosterols reduces blood cholesterol by 5 to 20%. It is worth mentioning that the average daily consumption is between 200 to 400 mg (White & Weber, 2003) 118 . According to Raicht et al (1980) 121 and Fiala et al (1985) 122 , supplementation of 0.2% β-sitosterol in diets for laboratory animals caused a significant decrease in the incidence of chemically induced colon cancer tumors.…”

Exploration, collection and conservation of multicrop germplasm from Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India

“…S.N. respectively(Sultan et al, 2018). Maize thus seems to be an important source of nutrition for local people.…”