Genetic variability for kernel B-carotene and utilization of crtRB1 3'TE gene for biofortification in maize (Zea mays L.)

摘要: Carotenoids are the major sources of dietary precursor vitamin A and act as potential antioxidant besides preventing diseases such night blindness in humans. Vitamin deficiency is a global problem, but particularly prevalent developing countries like India, where 31 percent pre-school children reportedly affected. Evaluation genetic variability for kernel β-carotene 105 maize inbreds diverse pedigree from India- CIMMYT-origin revealed significant variation ranging 0.02 to 16.50 μg/g. One key reasons wide due allelic at crtRB1 3’TE gene. Five among 95 possessed favourable allele with mean concentration 0.86 In contrast, same detected 20 CIMMYT-Maize HarvestPlus genotypes contributed kernel-carotene 11.29 The contrast Indian CIMMYT could be attributed presence SNPs InDels locus, along presence/absence alleles other important genes influencing carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Marker-assisted breeding has been initiated, introgress using high carotene donors, develop provitamin A-rich cultivars suitable growing regions India.