Evaluation of maize genotypes for quality parameters under moisture stress condition

Abstract

The work was conducted to evaluate maize genotypes (PDM 1409, PDM 1415, PDM 1428, PDM 1452, PDM 1465, PDM 1474, PDM 1479, PDM 1485, PDM 1488, PDM 1498, PDM 1430 and PDM 1439) for quality parameters under imposed moisture stress condition during rabi, 2015-16 and 2016-17. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with two main treatments, twelve sub treatments and replicated thrice. Moisture stress was imposed at soft dough stage (60 to 80 DAS). Quality parameters viz., total proteins, total carbohydrates and total free aminoacids were significantly reduced due to moisture stress compared to control. Protein content was significantly decreased to the extent of 20.3 and 17.4 per cent during rabi, 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively. PDM 1452 (0.615, 0.515 g g-1), PDM 1498 (0.668, 0.486 g g-1) recorded higher carbohydrates during rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively. The genotypes PDM 1428, PDM 1498, PDM 1452 and PDM 1465 possesses moderate quality components under imposed moisture stress conditions.