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Article
Genetic Variation and Breeding Potential of Phytate and Inorganic Phosphorus in a Maize Population
Crop Science
  • Aaron J. Lorenz, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • M. Paul Scott, United States Department of Agriculture
  • Kendall R. Lamkey, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2008
DOI
10.2135/cropsci2007.03.0136
Abstract

Seed P is predominantly bound in the organic compound phytate, which makes the bioavailability of P low for monogastric animals fed maize (Zea mays L.)-based diets. Decreasing phytate and increasing inorganic P (Pi, an available form of P) concentrations in maize grain would be desirable to help ameliorate environmental problems associated with high P in feces. Our objective was to investigate the potential of improving the P profile of maize grain through breeding and selection. Ninety S1 families from the BS31 population were evaluated at two locations for phytate, Pi, and other grain quality and agronomic traits. Phytate concentrations ranged from 1.98 to 2.46 g kg−1, and the broad-sense heritability (H) was relatively low (0.60). Both genetic variance and H (0.84) were much greater for Pi Few unfavorable genetic correlations were observed between either Pi or phytate and other key economic traits. Also, selection differentials of multiple trait indices indicated that the P profile of maize grain and grain yield and moisture could be improved simultaneously. Many cycles of selection will be needed, however, to reach desirable phytate and Pi concentrations, especially when selecting for multiple traits. Regardless, our results are encouraging given that the families evaluated were related S1 families and the number of families was relatively small.

Comments

This article is published as Lorenz, Aaron J., M. Paul Scott, and Kendall R. Lamkey. "Genetic variation and breeding potential of phytate and inorganic phosphorus in a maize population." Crop science 48, no. 1 (2008): 79-84, doi: 10.2135/cropsci2007.03.0136.

Rights
Works produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Aaron J. Lorenz, M. Paul Scott and Kendall R. Lamkey. "Genetic Variation and Breeding Potential of Phytate and Inorganic Phosphorus in a Maize Population" Crop Science Vol. 48 Iss. 1 (2008) p. 79 - 84
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kendall_lamkey/19/