Grain yield, physical and pasting properties, and anthocyanins of non-conventional pigmented corn hybrids for pozole end-use adapted to subtropical regions

Abstract

The use of pigmented corn hybrids for specialty food uses, such as pozole-making, has increased significantly lately. This work aimed to evaluate 25 non-conventional (native landraces x endogamic lines) corn hybrids (NCH) for yield, precocity, grain physical and pasting properties as well as anthocyanins content to identify genotypes with good market potential for pozole end-use. Genotypes were grown at two locations (Celaya and Tarímbaro). Differences in grain yield and physical characteristics between locations were due to a moisture deficit presented in Tarímbaro. NCH had a higher yield and earlier maturity compared with their native progenitors. The best NCH (‘3 × 18′) suitable for pozole end-use was characterized by a grain yield of 8.8 Mg ha−1, lower density (70.7 kg hL−1), and larger grains (100-grain weight = 50.3 g), softer grains (flotation index=94.2) and peak viscosity higher than 3600 mPa.s. NCH had lower anthocyanins content compared with their native progenitors. Results indicated that it was feasible to develop high-yielding NCH with acceptable agronomic performance and adequate grain physical properties for pozole end-use.