Quality Protein Maize Research Articles

Spirulina enriched gluten free quality protein maize (QPM) pasta as functional food

The gluten-free Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and pasta made from such grains would have far-reaching implications for achieving nutritional stability. As a result, the aim of this study was to see whether QPM combined with legume flours could be used to make gluten-free pasta (pasta without gluten protein). Furthermore, the effect of adding legume flours and spirulina to QPM pasta (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 %) on color, appearance, cooking, physical, nutritional and sensory quality was examined. The best-accepted combination of QPM (QPM flour 60 %, black gram flour 30 %, defatted soy flour 8 %, and guar gum 2 %-Q) and QPM pasta enriched with spirulina (QPM flour 60 %, black gram flour 30 %, Spirulina 6 %, defatted soy flour 2 % and guar gum 2 % -S) were compared to the control (100 % whole wheat flour-C). The functional and cooking parameters such as bulk density (0.54 kg/m3), swelling index (1.3 g/g), and cooked weight (11.0 g) of the spirulina pasta were slightly higher with a reasonable cooking loss of 7.6 %. The nutrients such as protein (21.6 %), calcium (44 mg %), iron (8.6 mg %), lysine (3.1 g/100g protein), and tryptophan (0.81 g/100g protein) were reported in the dietary composition of QPM pasta enriched with 6 % spirulina (S). Further addition of spirulina resulted in 16-fold increase in the carotenoid content

Does the quality protein maize trait cause hybrid yield losses? A case study in Southern Africa

Does the quality protein maize trait cause hybrid yield losses? A case study in Southern Africa

Effect of Blending Ratio and Fermentation Time on the Quality of Injera Prepared from Quality Protein Maize and Teff Flours

Injera is a fermented, and pancake-like bread consumed as a staple food in Ethiopia and made from cereals like teff, sorghum, wheat, maize, or a combination of some of these cereals. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of blending ratio and fermentation time on injera quality prepared from quality protein maize and teff flours. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and total ash contents of injera samples ranged from 60.63 – 62.08%, 11.86 – 13.30%, 2.80 – 3.53%, 2.19 – 3.19% and 1.46 – 1.70% due to the blending ratio, and from 61.12 – 61.37%, 11.93 – 13.03%, 3.03 – 3.20%, 2.74 – 2.81% and 1.55 – 1.61% due to fermentation time, respectively. Mineral contents of injera samples also ranged from 4.61 – 8.99 mg/100g (iron), 3.03 – 3.23 mg/100g (zinc) and 70.19 – 90.82 mg/100g (calcium) due to the blending ratio and from 6.81 to 7.32 mg/100g (iron), 3.03 to 3.20 mg/100g (zinc) and 78.44 to 82.83 mg/100g (calcium) due to fermentation time respectively. Increasing the blending proportions of teff flour in the composites and 60h fermentation time was found to improve the sensory acceptability of quality protein maize-teff composite injera. Keywords: injera, quality protein maize, blending ratio, fermentation time DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/116-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Growth Response and Dry Matter Partitioning of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Aluminum Toxicity

In this work, 75 quality protein maize (QPM) inbred lines were evaluated for aluminum tolerance using a nutrient solution assay in a laboratory and a soil-based technique in a greenhouse tunnel. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with three replications in the laboratory, and a randomized complete block design was used in the greenhouse. Aluminum toxicity was generated by amending a nutrient solution with 600 µM of aluminum sulfate (Al2 [SO4]3) in the laboratory, and Al2 [SO4]3 was applied at a rate of 24 mg kg−1 of soil in the greenhouse experiment. Relative root length (RRL) and hematoxylin staining (HS) scores were used to identify tolerant genotypes in the laboratory. According to RRL, 94.7% of genotypes were tolerant and 5.3% were sensitive, while Hematoxylin (HS) classified 77.9% of the genotypes as tolerant, and 22.1% as sensitive. RRL and HS presented a very strong negative association (−0.788). In the soil-based method, the experiments were conducted twice in successive summer seasons of 2019 and 2020. Several growth traits were measured and most genotypes that exhibited tolerance in the nutrient solution also had similar tolerance in the soil-based screening technique. Genetic variability for tolerance was identified, revealing potentially useful donors of tolerance genes in breeding programs.

On-farm agronomic performance and farmer preference of quality protein maize grown under conservation agriculture in Southern Africa: a case for Zimbabwe

AbstractMaize is the most important staple food crop in southern Africa with human consumption averaging 91 kg/capita/year. Most smallholder farmers and weaning children depend on maize for much of the daily food requirements and it is the largest contributor of dietary proteins. Despite the development of quality protein maize (QPM) with high tryptophan and lysine content, stunting and kwashiorkor remain high in southern Africa partly due to low adoption of QPM varieties. The objective of this study was to compare the agronomic performance and farmer preferences of new generation of QPM with non-QPM varieties under conservation agriculture on-farm conditions. Eight QPM and four non-QPM varieties were tested on on-farm trials in Zimbabwe during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 cropping seasons at five different locations. Significant differences were detected among the genotypes for the measured traits in the two seasons. Similarly, genotype plus genotype × environment interactions were significant for both seasons for grain yield. Three QPM varieties, SC527, SC535 and SC643, recorded the highest and stable yield. Four QPM varieties, SC643, SC535, SC527 and MQ623, and a non-QPM variety, PAN413, were ranked high among farmers for overall ear characteristics as their most preferred varieties. The high-yielding and stable QPM varieties are likely to be adopted by farmers in southern Africa.

Screening of Maize Genotypes against Maize Leaf Aphid [Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch)] under Field Condition at Chitwan, Nepal

Thirty maize genotypes including five hybrids, eight quality protein (QPM) and seventeen full season open pollinated (OP) were screened for their resistance against maize leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch) at the research field of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during the year 2019 and 2020. The design of the experiment was randomized incomplete block with three replications. The plot size was 2 rows of 5 m long with the spacing of 60 cm × 25 cm. The recommended dose of fertilizer for full season OP and QPM were 120:60:40 and for hybrid maize 180:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg/ha with farmyard manure 10 t/ha and seed rate was 20 kg/ha. Data on aphid incidence, severity, yield and yield components were recorded. Maize hybrids RML-95/RML-96 (18%) and Rampur Hybrid-10 (22%), two quality protein maize (QPM) S00TLYQ-AB (22%) and S99TLYQ-A (23%) and two full season OP genotypes TLBRS07F16 (24%) and ZM 627 (26%) were less susceptible to aphid infestation and resulted in higher grain yield. The findings could aid in the selection of maize genotypes for the development of aphid resistant and high-yielding maize varieties.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

Use of more nutrient-use efficient Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties will likely play a pivotal role in maintaining or increasing crop yields and nutritional values in fields where soils are degraded. This study aimed to: (i) assess the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of different QPM inbred lines at various levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application; (ii) determine the relationships among NUE indices and yield; and (iii) determine the appropriate rate of fertilizer application for QPM genotypes under conditions of this study. Thirty-two QPM inbred lines were evaluated at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha−1 N fertilizer application in a split-plot randomized complete block design with two replicates at the University of Fort Hare Crop Research farm, South Africa. Results revealed highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) for total nitrogen in biomass (Bio Total N), total nitrogen in grain (G Total N), grain yield, NUE and almost all the indices estimated across N levels. The top three genotypes which showed high-yielding potential at 30 kg N ha−1 include L2 (6.24 t/ha), L3 (6.47 t/ha) and L4 (6.34 t/ha), and were considered the most N-efficient genotypes under low N soils. The highest grain yields (6.74 t/ha) and highest NUtE (Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency) (1.93 kg grain/total N) were obtained at 90 kg N ha−1. Highly significant and positive correlation coefficients were found between NUE and yield (+0.9), NUE and NUtE (+0.9), NUE and HI (Harvest Index) (+0.5), NUtE and yield (+0.99), HI and yield (+0.5) and NUtE and HI (+0.5). Highest nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) was obtained from the lowest fertilizer rate, which was 30 kg N ha−1.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Genetic Architecture and Candidate Genes Associated with Grain Yield and Other Traits under Low Soil Nitrogen in Early-Maturing White Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines.

Maize production in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is constrained by the low nitrogen in the soils. The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring tolerance to low soil nitrogen (low-N) is crucial for the successful breeding of high-yielding QPM maize genotypes under low-N conditions. The objective of this study was to identify QTLs significantly associated with grain yield and other low-N tolerance-related traits under low-N. The phenotypic data of 140 early-maturing white quality protein maize (QPM) inbred lines were evaluated under low-N. The inbred lines were genotyped using 49,185 DArTseq markers, from which 7599 markers were filtered for population structure analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS). The inbred lines were grouped into two major clusters based on the population structure analysis. The GWAS identified 24, 3, 10, and 3 significant SNPs respectively associated with grain yield, stay-green characteristic, and plant and ear aspects, under low-N. Sixteen SNP markers were physically located in proximity to 32 putative genes associated with grain yield, stay-green characteristic, and plant and ear aspects. The putative genes GRMZM2G127139, GRMZM5G848945, GRMZM2G031331, GRMZM2G003493, GRMZM2G067964, GRMZM2G180254, on chromosomes 1, 2, 8, and 10 were involved in cellular nitrogen assimilation and biosynthesis, normal plant growth and development, nitrogen assimilation, and disease resistance. Following the validation of the markers, the putative candidate genes and SNPs could be used as genomic markers for marker-assisted selection, to facilitate genetic gains for low-N tolerance in maize production.

Nutrient composition, starch microstructure and thermal properties, and in vitro availability of selected minerals of nixtamalized Philippine quality protein maize variety IPB Var 6 and the production of healthy loaf bread using nixtamalized corn–wheat flour blends

Corn is one of the most important food crops globally providing at least 30% of the food calories in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the nutritional content and starch properties of nixtamalized Philippine quality protein maize (QPM) variety and its potential as a flour substitute in loaf bread production. The nixtamalized Philippine QPM flour had a significant increase in moisture and calcium contents. In vitro availability of calcium, iron, and zinc was relatively lower and associated with phytate content. The developed loaf bread utilizing the optimum nixtamalized corn–wheat flour blend had improved nutritional value and had no significant difference in sensory characteristics compared with the control loaf bread made from wheat flour. The use of nixtamalized IPB Var 6 flour as an ingredient in loaf bread making improved its crude fiber, calcium, and iron levels and can be a nutritious potential substitute ingredient for baked products. Novelty impact statement The process of nixtamalization can improve the nutritional content of corn and has the potential to improve the quality of a food staple such as loaf bread. Incorporating nixtamalized QPM flour into loaf bread resulted in increased fiber, protein, and calcium contents, and it was also acceptable to the consumers in terms of sensory characteristics and general acceptability. Data on the nutritional content and availability of selected minerals of nixtamalized QPM flour can be used as basis for future researches to optimize the method to maximize its potential effects in the improvement of the nutritional value of QPM, thereby providing a healthier alternative staple for the consumers.

Genotype–genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis of extra-early maturing quality protein maize hybrids for grain yield

Genotype–genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis of extra-early maturing quality protein maize hybrids for grain yield

Optimization of Protein Quality Assay in Normal, opaque-2, and Quality Protein Maize

The development of quality protein maize (QPM) was considered a significant leap toward improvement in the nutritional status of rural masses in developing countries. The nutritional quality of QPM is attributed to the higher concentration of essential amino acids, particularly lysine and tryptophan, in its kernel endosperm. However, the similarity in the grains of QPM and normal maize necessitates the development of a standard protocol to assess the protein quality of maize. The present study aimed at improving the protocol of protein quality assessment in QPM. For this purpose, endosperm defatting and protein estimation procedures were restandardized and optimized with respect to the protocol duration and its amenability for high-throughput analysis. Unlike normal maize, QPM andopaque-2mutants were completely defatted within a 48 h period. It was observed that the tryptophan content, calculated at each defatting interval, increased in the samples defatted for a longer duration. No significant differences were observed in the tryptophan content analyzed in the samples defatted for 48 and 72 h. Moreover, the endosperm protein estimated by using the Bradford method with certain modifications strongly correlated with the micro-Kjeldahl method (r= 0.9). Relative to the micro-Kjeldahl method, the Bradford method was found to be precise, rapid, and hazard-free. The present findings enable a testing protocol of reduced time duration that can be used in resource-poor settings for the determination of a protein quality assay in QPM. Overall, the present study effectively helped in reducing the defatting time by 24 h and protein estimation by 3 h as compared to the already established International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center protocol. This is expected to enable the aggregation of high-protein-quality maize to facilitate its commercialization.

Hybrid Performance and Heterosis for Yield and Agronomic Traits of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines Adapted to Mid-altitude Agroecology of Ethiopia

Maize is a primary crop in most farming systems and staple food of the rural population in abundant of the mid-altitude sub- humid agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. Nearly 88% of maize produced in Ethiopia is consumed as food, both as green and dry grain. Yet, it has low protein content since it is normal maize, with poor protein quality limited by deficiencies in lysine and tryptophan and has an excess of leucine and isoleucine. Suggestions on hybrid performance and heterosis of QPM inbred for grain yield and its components is vital to design suitable breeding strategies for the development of nutritionally enhanced maize varieties. A line x tester analysis involving 36 crosses generated by crossing nine elite maize inbred lines with four testers and four checks were evaluated for yield and yield related traits at Bako and Jimma. The objectives were to evaluate mean performance and the magnitude of heterosis for quality protein maize inbred lines, adapted to mid altitude agroecology of Ethiopia. The genotypes were evaluated in alpha lattice design replicated three times. Analyses of variances showed significant (p<0.05 or p<0.01) mean squares due to genotypes in each and across locations for most traits studied, indicating the existence of appropriate genetic variability. The crosses, L5xT2, L7xT2, L8xT1, L8xT2, L3xT2, L5xT1, and L1xT1 showed higher grain yield. The estimated mid and better parent heterosis for grain yield across locations for all crosses displayed positive and highly significant variances which ranged from 386.6% to 111.2% and 288.9% to 72.2%, respectively. From this study, about 77.78% of crosses had better potential for grain yield. The results attained in this experiment suggest that the hopeful potentials of the identified inbred lines for further breeding of QPM for the mid-altitude agroecology of Ethiopia.

Identifying Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines for Improved Nutritional Value of Maize in Southern Africa.

Malnutrition, as a result of deficiency in essential nutrients in cereal food products and consumption of a poorly balanced diet, is a major challenge facing millions of people in developing countries. However, developing maize inbred lines that are high yielding with enhanced nutritional traits for hybrid development remains a challenge. This study evaluated 40 inbred lines: 26 quality protein maize (QPM) lines, nine non-QPM lines, and five checks (three QPM lines and two non-QPM lines) in four optimum environments in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The objective of the study was to identify good-quality QPM inbred lines for future hybrid breeding efforts in order to increase the nutritional value of maize. The QPM lines had a lower protein content (7% lower) than that of the non-QPM lines but had 1.9 times more tryptophan and double the quality index. The lysine- and tryptophan-poor α-zein protein fraction was 41% lower in QPM than in non-QPM, with a subsequent increase in γ-zein. There was significant variation within the QPM inbred lines for all measured quality characteristics, indicating that the best lines can be selected from this material without a yield penalty. QPM lines that had both high protein and tryptophan levels, which can be used as parents for highly nutritious hybrids, were identified.

Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Nutrient Content and Uptake of High Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) to under South Saurashtra Agroclimatic Zone of Gujarat

An experiment was conducted to assess the “effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on nutrient content and uptake of high quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) to under South Saurashtra agroclimatic zone of Gujarat” during summer, 2016 at the department of agronomy, college of agriculture, JAU, Junagadh. The experiment comprising of total twelve treatment combinations consisting four levels of nitrogen (Control, 90 kg N ha-1, 120 kg N ha-1, 150 kg N ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (Control, 45 kg P2O5 ha-1, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of 150 kg N/ha significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake of grains and straw over control and 90 kg N/ha, while at par with 120 kg N/ha. Result showed that application of 60 kg P2O5 /ha significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake of grains and straw, being remained at par with 45 kg P2O5 /ha over control.

Heritability and Associations among Grain Yield and Quality Traits in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and Non-QPM Hybrids.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the main staple cereal food crop cultivated in southern Africa. Interactions between grain yield and biochemical traits can be useful to plant breeders in making informed decisions on the traits to be considered in breeding programs for high grain yield and enhanced quality. The objectives of this study were to estimate the heritability of grain yield and its related traits, as well as quality traits, and determine the association between quality protein maize (QPM) with non-QPM crosses. Grain yield, and agronomic and quality trait data were obtained from 13 field trials in two countries, for two consecutive seasons. Significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations were recorded for grain yield with protein content (rG = 0.38; rP = 0.25), and tryptophan with oil content (rG = 0.58; rP = 0.25), and negative rG and rP correlations were found for protein with tryptophan content and grain yield with tryptophan content. Path analysis identified ear aspect, ears per plant, and starch as the major traits contributing to grain yield. It is recommended that ear aspect should be considered a key secondary trait in breeding for QPM hybrids. The negative association between grain yield and tryptophan, and between protein and tryptophan, will make it difficult to develop hybrids with high grain yield and high tryptophan content. Hence, it is recommended that gene pyramiding should be considered for these traits.

Genetic analysis of grain yield and agronomic traits of quality protein maize inbred lines and their single-cross hybrids under drought stress and well-watered conditions

Drought-tolerant maize hybrids are crucial to enhance productivity in West and Central Africa. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the combining abilities of tropical quality protein maize (QPM) inbred lines, (ii) identify hybrids with outstanding yield performance under drought stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) conditions, and (iii) identify drought-adaptive traits for index selection under DS. Seventy-eight hybrids developed from a diallel cross among 13 QPM inbred lines were evaluated under DS and WW conditions. The hybrids differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) for grain yield (GY) and other traits. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant for GY and other traits. Four hybrids (CRIZEQ-24 × CRIZEQ-77, CRIZEQ-44 × CRIZEQ-77, CRIZEQ-14 × CRIZEQ-49, and CRIZEQ-24 × CRIZEQ-40) were identified with outstanding GY performance under DS. Days to anthesis, ear aspect, number of ears per plant and plant aspect were important traits for selection under DS.

Quality protein maize: nutritional and bioactive composition, technological attributes and potential food applications

SummaryThe present review aimed to explain the composition, nutritional importance, technological functionality, morphology, rheological and bioactive profile of quality protein maize (QPM). This review further highlights the potentiality of QPM for the development of versatile value‐added products, which are advantageous for consumers, researchers and industries related to this area. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Research gate and Google scholar. Full‐text screening of 112 articles was carried out, resulting in a final sample of 90 articles of which the most reliable and recent articles were thoroughly reviewed. Quality protein maize contains the opaque‐2 gene that limits the zein synthesis meanwhile promoting the synthesis of other non‐zein proteins that are rich in tryptophan and lysine. QPM has high antioxidative properties that prevent cardiovascular and degenerative disorders. Regular intake of QPM can also reduce the symptoms of protein–energy malnutrition. Thus, QPM has an excellent potential to be utilised as an ingredient or enrichment source in several food categories.

The impact of low nitrogen conditions on the chemical composition and flour pasting properties of quality protein maize

The impact of low nitrogen conditions on the chemical composition and flour pasting properties of quality protein maize

Genetic Variability, Heritability, Correlation Analysis, Genetic advance, and Principal Component Analysis of Grain Yield and Yield Related Traits of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L) Inbred lines Adapted to Mid-altitude Agroecology of Ethiopia

To establish effective breeding techniques for the creation of nutritionally enhanced maize cultivars, reasonable information of the extent of genetic diversity, heritability, genetic advance, correlation analyses, and interrelationships of yield and yield related variables is essential. As a result, the goal of this study was to determine the nature and magnitude of genetic variability, heritability, Correlation Analysis, genetic advance, and principal Component analysis of grain yield and yield-related traits in quality protein maize inbred lines adapted to Ethiopia's mid-altitude agroecology. During 2019/2020, the experiment was done on 36 inbred lines, including four checks at Bako and Jimma. The genotypes were tested three times in an alpha lattice arrangement. For all parameters except days to maturity, the mean square due to genotypes was extremely significant, according to the analysis of variance. The level of phenotypic and genotypic variation among all eleven characteristics showed that the environment influenced the expression of features in some way. Grain yield, kernels per ear, ear diameter, and thousand kernels weight all showed a moderately greater heritability. The estimated genetic progress as a percent of mean for grain production, kernels per row, and ear per plant was extremely high, indicating the control of additive gene of action and a better hope for selection of these traits. Grain yield has a high heritability mixed with a high genetic advance, indicating that additive gene action is dominant in controlling the variable. Days to maturity, plant and ear height, ear diameter, ear per plant, and thousand kernel weights all exhibited extremely significant positive associations with grain yield. The eigenvalue of the first main component was 6.16, and it accounted for 4.60 of the total variances. The PC7 had large ear weights per plant, which most likely reflected yield. Finally, in future quality protein maize breeding efforts, special ......

Study of relationships between independent extrusion variables and dependent product properties during Quality Protein Maize extrusion

The present research was carried out to explore the utilization of quality protein maize due to its superior protein quality. The effects of extrusion process variables such as screw speed (400– 550 rpm), barrel temperature (125–175°C) and feed moisture (14-18%, on a dry basis) on the system and functional properties of normal and quality protein maize based snacks were studied. The experiment was executed using central composite design in response surface methodology. Regression analysis of experimental data revealed the significant effects of screw speed followed by feed moisture content and barrel temperature on the functional properties of extrudates (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.05). The range of values for NM and QPM snacks were found to be 3.66-4.24, 4.07-4.47 for expansion ratio, 103-120 Wh/kg, 93-121 Wh/kg for specific mechanical energy, 3.66-4.43 g/g, 3.72-3.90 g/g for water absorption index, 20.6-38.6%, 26.8-38.2% for water solubility index and 0.046-0.066g/cc, 0.055-0.062 g/cc for bulk density, respectively. The optimal extrusion process parameters obtained were feed moisture content 14-16%, 14-15% and barrel temperature 138-172°C, 169-175°C at 475 rpm screw speed for normal and quality protein maize, respectively.