Genotype and Nitrogen Effects over Maize Kernel Hardness and Endosperm Zein Profiles

GERDE JOSE A.; BORRÁS LUCAS; DI PAOLA JUAN CARLOS; TAMAGNO SANTIAGO

CROP SCIENCE

CROP SCIENCE SOC AMER

Lugar: Baltimore; Año: 2016 vol. 56 p. 1225 - 1233

0011-183X

Maize (Zea mays L.) kernel hardness is of utmost importance for dry-milling processors. Zeins, maize prolamins, are known to be key proteins affecting this trait. We investigated the response of kernel zein profiles to N fertilization in maize hybrids with contrasting kernel hardness (measured as test weight, vitreousness, kernel density and floaters percentage). A field experiment was done during two seasons, with three N fertilization treatments and four commercial hybrids with different hardness (two flint and two dent kernel types). We also measured yield, kernel protein concentration, and zein profiles (Z2, or γ and β, and Z1, or α and δ). Flint kernel type always yielded less and showed higher kernel hardness indicators when compared to dents (P