Analysis of the content of zein and zeaxanthin in grain of maize breeding lines

Grain quality breeding is an important area for the creation of high-quality varieties and hybrids of maize. In addition to the total protein content in the grain, it is essential to determine the fractions of zeins, as well as the carotenoid zeaxanthin. The aim was to study maize hybrids and lines according to the content of the protein zein and the carotenoid zeaxanthin to identify valuable sources of useful traits in grain quality breeding. 20 lines and hybrids of maize from the collection of the Vavilov University were studied. The analysis of the content and electrophoresis of zein proteins, the study of the absorption spectrum of zeaxanthin in the studied maize hybrids and lines revealed significant genetic diversity. Samples with a high content of zein (SGAU 3M – 3.05 % and Actor – 3.18 %) and zeaxanthin (Actor and Visavi – more than 15 µg/1 g of flour) were identified. It is noted that the dimeric forms of zeins detected by electrophoresis are characteristic of lines with a high protein content. The selected lines and hybrids can serve as sources of valuable traits in maize breeding for grain quality.