CHARACTERIZATION OF "TURDA" MAIZE GERMPLASM FOR THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE GRAIN

Evaluation of maize grain quality traits across several genotypes is essential to determine the potential of maize for value-added products. The diversity of maize uses requires appropriate quality characteristics. The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the potential of „TURDA” maize germplasm according to its grain quality traits, such as: protein, oil, fiber, ash, and starch concentrations; 2) to estimate the extent of phenotypical variability and correlations for various quality components and 3) to formulate a selection criterion in a breeding program.To examine phenotypical diversity in grain content, a total of 754 maize samples were evaluated for their grain quality attributes: 265 local populations (landraces); 59 synthetics/composites and 430 „TURDA” inbred lines. Inbred lines were on average the most divergent in grain starch concentration (range value 19.9) as compared to landraces (range value 11.8) and synthetics (range value 12.5). The grain oil and ash content showed high variability among the genotypes. The mean starch concentration of inbred lines had the highest value 67.5%, comparatively with local population 64.9% and synthetics 65.9%. CV values for kernel content reflect a lower diversity for starch and protein concentration in all germplasm analyzed a medium diversity of local population and synthetics for fat and fiber concentration and a high diversity of inbred lines for fat and minerals concentration. Grain starch content was negatively correlated with protein, oil, fiber and ash contents, while protein, oil, fiber and ash contents were, in most cases, positively correlated between themselves.