IMPROVING THE MINERAL RESERVES AND PROTEIN-QUALITY OF MAIZE (ZEA-MAYSL) KERNELS USING UNIQUE GENES

The effects of the maize genes, o(2) and Mal, on the concentrations of mineral nutrient cations and amino acid levels in mature maize (Zea m ays L) kernels of various inbred lines were studied. Previously, the o (2) gene has been used to improve the protein quality and increase the mineral nutrient content of kernels from some inbred lines. Genotypes possessing the Mal (multiple aleurone layer) gene, contain more than one row of aleurone cells in their kernels and this gene enhances the effect of the o(2) gene on improving kernel protein quality. Incorpora ting these genes into the maize genome increased accumulation of sever al mineral nutrients (including Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) in some of the experimental lines studied. The physiological basis for this i ncrease of mineral nutrients in the kernels is discussed. The effect o f the Mal gene on the kernel amino acid composition and protein qualit y was also examined. Possibly, these genes could be used in combinatio n in breeding programs to improve kernel quality and nutritional value of maize.