Assessment of genetic diversity of Turkish maize landraces for phytic acid and total phenolic contents

Abstract

The breeding studies targeted to develop high yielding varieties in maize have led to a decrease in genetic variation in secondary biochemical components. Local maize landraces are important genetic sources for these components. The objective of this study was to examine the genetic variation for phytic acid and total phenolic compounds within 192 Turkish maize landraces. The plant material was grown during the summer season of 2017 in Çanakkale, with the inclusion of 7 check hybrids. The field trial used an Augmented Experimental Design, with 6 blocks, each one containing 32 landraces and 7 check hybrids. Phytic acid and total phenolics were detected spectrophotometrically in the seeds of landraces propagated by bulk pollination. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and some genetic estimations (coefficients of variation, heritability, genetic advance) were calculated for the observed traits. Results of data analysis suggest that there is a considerable genetic variation among the investigated genetic materials. The phytic acid content was found between 0.82–4.87 mg g-1 and the total phenolic content was between 0.03–1.99%. For both traits, genetic variation in local maize landraces was observed to be wider than check varieties. The promising materials among landraces may have potential use in the future breeding programs for manipulating the levels of phytic acid and phenolic compounds. According to the calculations made for the inheritance of the traits, it was determined that the heritability in phytic acid content was higher (56.2%) than those for the total phenolics. Genetic gain calculations showed that genetic improvement can be achieved by selection for both investigated traits.