Multivariate classification of maize (Zea mays) seeds according to varieties and technologies

ZALDARRIAGA HEREDIA, J; MOLDES CARLOS ALBERTO; CAMIÑA, JOSÉ M.

Congreso; Reunión anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2017

Present work determined the profile of nine elements (Cr, Co, Mo, Ni, Mn, Ca, Mg, P, and Fe) by ICP-AES on digested seeds with HNO3 in thermostatic water bath at 100°C for 30 minutes. Samples were collect in 27 sites where it was identified 22 maize varieties from six marcs (Don Mario, Dekalb, Syngenta, KWS, Pioneer and DOW) with two technologies, Monsanto and Syngenta. Data was analyzed with Uni and Multivariate statisticals. Univariate statistical indicate significant differences for three elements, P, Ni and Mg. The most interesting result was for P content due that six marcs can be divided in two groups according to P content: DOW, Dekalb and Syngenta contain on average 6700 ppm of P while Don Mario, KWS and Pioneer contain on average 3200 ppm of P. Multivariate analysis was performed using a model with the content of elements Cr, Co, Mo, Ni, and Mn as variables. We consider the technology from each variety looking for differences between Monsanto and Syngenta technologies. Scores plot show two groups with the expected differentiation and loadings plot indicates that such difference are given by the influence of variables Mn and Co where high contents (Co ⁓ 2.35 ppm; Mn ⁓ 5.5 ppm) correspond to Monsanto technology and low contents to Syngenta (Co ⁓ 1 ppm; Mn ⁓ 4.5 ppm). Although the present work does not intent to compare physiological quality of two technologies, it was possible to determine differences between them using a multivariate model with the content of micronutrients.