Yield, Protein and Amylopectin Contents of Maize BC3F3 Genotype by Selfing of Different Grain Colors

Efforts to produce high nutritional and production maize are pivotal to meet the basic food needs. This study aimed to evaluate maize grain yield, amylopectin, and protein content as a selfing result of the BC3F2 genotype in different seed colors (pale white, semi pale white and bright white). The BC3F2 genotype was obtained after a series of previous field studies by crossing two parents: the White Srikandi variety with high protein content and production and the local Pulut (waxy) variety with high amylopectin content. BC3F2 genotype is the forerunner of a new variety. This study adopted three maize grain color variables: pale white, semi-pale white and bright white with three replicates. Seed color determination is based on the visual appearance of the seeds. Seed color correlates with seed amylopectin content. When the BC3F2 plants flowered, 4200 plants were selfed to produce the BC3F3 genotype. The yield, amylopectin, and protein content of BC3F3 maize were evaluated. The results showed that genotype selfing of BC3F2 produced the genotype BC3F3 grains with high yield potential, high amylopectin and protein contents were relatively higher. The highest grain production was found in the Bright white maize (17.29 kg/plot), while the lowest was found in Semi Pale White (13.46 kg/plot). The Bright white grains also produced the highest weight (30.01 g/100 grain). Meanwhile, the Pale white grains produced the highest amylopectin (84.55%) and protein (10.41%). The findings of this study are important, and it is recommended continuing the selfing process to produce the highest production and nutrition content using the Pale white phenotype.