Development of quality protein maize: biochemical and agronomic evaluation

摘要

Experiments were conducted on six newly developed Quality Protein Maize (QPM) lines to assess their lysine and tryptophan levels, and their suitability for cultivation in major agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. The results showed that the QPM lines varied from one to another, with respect to crude protein, zein dry matter, crude zein, lysine and tryptophan (P<0.01). Percentage crude protein varied between 6.22 and 8.75%, while % lysine and tryptophan were in the range of 3.31 to 3.72 and 0.49 to 0.87 respectively. Lysine was positively correlated to zein, while tryptophan was positively correlated with crude protein. There was a Location effect for plant height, while Variety x Location interaction was found for days to 50% silking (P<0.05). Mean grain yields across varieties and locations ranged between 0.25 (Amakama) and 4.50t/ha (Ibadan). ART98-SW6-OB and ILE1-OB appeared to be superior with higher lysine and tryptophan contents. Other agronomic and biochemical details of the QPM were discussed.