Characterization of Zea Mays L. through morphological, biochemical and molecular markers

Abstract

18 open-pollinated maize accessions were assessed for variability under randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Each plot comprised of two rows each 5 m in length with a plant to plant distance of 30 cm and a row to row distance of 75 cm. Data on morpho-biochemical traits were collected and subjected to statistical analysis to find out the variability among the maize accessions and association of increasing protein and oil content with the agronomic traits. From the source population 5 varieties with a high percentage of oil and protein, were selected and analyzed for total seed protein profile using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. Significant results of variance and covariance were observed for all morpho-biochemical traits, which revealed significant variation among the maize accessions. SDS-PAGE showed considerable variation in protein banding among the maize accessions. Correlation results showed an independent association of morphological traits with oil and protein contents in almost all the source population. This indicated that oil and protein content of maize grain can be increased without negatively affecting the important agronomic traits. Based on the results, the variability could be utilized to develop commercial maize varieties with improved quality of grain utilizing the conventional techniques of selection and hybridization.