Identification of potential donor for pro-vitamin A using functional markers in maize (Zea mays L)

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a global health problem. Maize naturally accumulates carotenoids including β-carotene, a major source of vitamin A. Thirty-seven Indian maize genotypes were screened for total carotenoids and β- carotene content. A positive significant association of kernel colour was observed with total carotenoid but not for β-carotene. The level of β-carotene among the selected 37 genotypes was low (0.14 to 4.63µg/g) as compared to total carotenoids (15.94 to 66.46 µg/g) thus necessitates the introduction and deployment of lines with high β- carotene. Hence, 54 inbred lines developed under the HarvestPlus programme were screened with functional markers of lcyE and crtRB1 genes of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Three genotypes (HP704-13, HP704- 22, and HP704-23) amplified most of the favorable alleles for both these genes. However, due to long Anthesis Silking Interval (ASI) and poor adaptation HP704-13 and HP704-23 could not be maintained. Under normal storage condition genotype, HP704-22 recorded 7.32 µg/g of β-carotene which can be used as a donor for provitamin-A or to diversify the Indian germplasm.