Physiological and biochemical study of four new maize lines (Zea mays l.) In Daloa, Cote D Ivoire

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cereal belonging to the Poaceae family that adapts to a variety of ecological conditions. However, increasing climate change is leading to numerous abiotic and biotic stresses that are reducing its production. Faced with these challenges, it is becoming essential to develop new maize varieties with characteristics that can adapt to changing climatic conditions. The study focused on the physiological and biochemical characterisation of four maize lines derived from the EV8728 variety irradiated with gamma radiation after 6 generations of self-fertilisation. These lines were compared with the unirradiated parent variety EV8728. The results showed a significant effect on all the parameters assessed. At physiological level, chlorophyll (a), (b) and total contents were higher in the non-irradiated EV8728 variety and line S03. Biochemically, phenolic compound and total sugar levels were highest in lines S20 and S24. In terms of enzymatic activity, lines S03 and S76A showed higher levels of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Lines S20 and S24 showed higher levels of peroxidase (POD) and line S76A accumulated more catalase (CAT) than the witness. These biochemical variations probably reflect distinct adaptation and resistance mechanisms within these lines.