Nutritional Diversity in Native Germplasm of Maize Collected From Three Different Fragile Ecosystems of India

Native maize germplasm is uniquely adapted to specific ecological niches, having been preserved over generations due to local communities’ preference for their distinct taste, culinary utility, and low cultivation costs. These varieties hold promise for addressing malnutrition and serve as valuable genetic resources for trait-linked improvements. This study examines thirty-three native maize germplasm collected from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, spanning altitudes from 386 to 2,028 meters. Their nutritional profiles—including moisture (7.16–10.9%), ash (0.73–1.93%), crude protein (8.68–12.0%), crude fat (3.72–8.03%), dietary fiber (5.21–11.2%), and available carbohydrates (60.6–69.8%)—were compared against the Indian Food Composition Table 2017 (IFCT2017). Notably, three accessions—Malan 11 (7.06%), Malan 24 (7.20%), and Yellow Chamba Local 02 (8.03%)—exhibited nearly double the crude fat content reported in IFCT2017 (3.77%). Additionally, all germplasm except Yellow Chamba Local demonstrated higher protein levels than IFCT2017 values, with Sathi, Safed Chamba Local, and Ragal Makka reaching nearly 12%. Iron deficiency remains a global concern, and this study found that several germplasm contained iron levels nearly three times higher than IFCT2017 values. A negative correlation was observed between altitude and available carbohydrate content, while dietary fiber, protein, and fat showed inverse relationships with carbohydrate availability. These findings underscore the potential of native maize germplasm for nutritional enhancement, food labeling, and crop improvement initiatives.

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