Association of phytic acid towards the yield attributing traits in maize (Zea Mays. L)

Abstract

The current investigation was done to understand the role of phytic acid and its contribution to yield and yield attributing traits in maize. Phytic acid is an anti-nutritional factor involved in chelating phosphorus and other micronutrients in food. On contrary, it is a major regulator of the metabolic pathways in plants. This study involved the correlation and path analysis of nineteen morphological and two biochemical traits with phytic acid as the dependent factor. A significant positive correlation of seed girth, seed thickness, hundred seed weight, cob weight, starch content and single plant yield with phytic acid were observed. This elaborated the essentiality of phytic acid in seed set and pollination in maize. Consequently, this study also ensured the increase in free inorganic phosphorous content in reduced phytic acid lines through their negative association and revealed its chelating ability in foods. Further the path analysis established highest positive direct effect of single plant yield, seed girth, cob placement height, cob weight, days to 50 percent silking and cob girth towards the phytic acid content in maize. This reinforces the direct contribution of phytic acid in crop development. The correlation also encompasses the role of phytic acid in starch accumulation and seed thickness in maize by means of their positive association. Therefore, from this study it could be concluded that phytic acid has a functional relationship with the major yield contributing traits in maize. Hence proper selection criteria have to be followed for producing elite lines with low phytic acid in maize.