Genetic analysis of popping quality traits and development of superior quality popcorn hybrids for a sustainable popcorn breeding program in India.

BACKGROUND: Popcorn is the most popular specialty maize and it makes a significant contribution to the Indian and global economies. Despite perfect exploration of heterosis in field corn, progress in popcorn breeding remains constrained due to its narrow genetic base, leading to a significant dependence on imports. In this study, 15 landrace- and population-derived inbreds from temperate and tropical germplasm were crossed with five testers, which are the parents of superior popcorn hybrids, in a line × tester mating design. RESULTS: Significant variation was observed in popping quality and agronomic traits among crosses evaluated across three locations representing diverse maize-based agro-climatic zones in India. Additive genetic variance governed the traits related to popping quality, whereas dominance variance was responsible for the agronomic traits. In addition to significant heterosis specific to certain traits, we identified promising crosses that exhibited superior performance in both popping quality and grain yield (GY). The genotype + genotype × environment (GGE) biplot methodology identified PMI-PC-104 and PMI-PC-101 as the best discriminating testers for popping quality traits and Dpcl-15-90 for GY. Lines PMI-PC-205, PMI-PC-207, and PMI-PC-209 were the best general combiners for popping quality traits and GY. The heterotic groups identified based on GGE-biplots and the magnitude, direction and stability of combining ability effects would serve in the development of competitive popcorn hybrids for a sustainable popcorn market. CONCLUSION: Using the additive nature of popping quality traits and the dominant nature of GY, recurrent intrapopulation selection can be employed to derive desirable popping quality inbreds with high GY for genetic enhancement. Desirable popping quality alleles from novel germplasm can thus be combined with high-yielding domestic elite inbreds to establish a sustainable popcorn breeding program. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unraveling popping quality through insights on kernel physical, agro-morphological, and quality traits of diverse popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) inbreds from indigenous and exotic germplasm.

Popcorn is a specialty corn with worldwide popularity as a snack. Despite having great market demand, genetic improvement in popping quality is limited, which is caused by the limited germplasm utilization and narrow genetic base. An assortment of diverse germplasm, their effective characterization, and integration into popcorn breeding pipeline is the foundation for an efficient breeding program. Here, kernel characteristics, popping quality traits, and agro-morphological traits were evaluated across three locations on a diverse panel of 48 popcorn inbreds derived from diverse landraces and populations of exotic and indigenous origin. The variations due to genotypes, locations, and genotype × location interaction were highly significant. The popping quality traits recorded wide variation with a high coefficient of genotypic determination. The kernel dimensions, kernel density, test weight, and grain yield were negatively correlated with popping quality traits. Genotypes with rice-type kernels exhibited better popping quality than pearl-type kernels. Analysis of genotype × location (G×L) interaction identified two target locations for the key popping quality trait, popping expansion volume. PMI-PC-175, PMI-PC-187, PMI-PC-188, and PMI-PC-189 were identified as superior genotypes over checks for desirable popping quality, agronomic performance, and high grain yield. The contrasting inbreds for popping quality and flake shape (mushroom vs. butterfly) can be utilized for developing mapping populations to enhance our understanding of molecular aspects of popping quality traits. Further, the promising inbreds can be utilized in the genetic improvement of popcorn and crossed to develop superior popcorn hybrids. The results suggest a potential opportunity to establish an efficient popcorn breeding program.

Recurrent Interpopulation Selection in Popcorn: From Heterosis to Genetic Gains.

In view of the need to develop new popcorn cultivars and considering the uncertainties in choosing the most appropriate breeding methods to ensure consistent genetic progress, simultaneously for both popping expansion and grain yield, this study addressed the efficiency of interpopulation recurrent selection regarding genetic gains, the study of the response in genetic parameters as well as heterotic effects on the control of the main agronomic traits of popcorn. Two populations were established, Pop1 and Pop2. A total of 324 treatments were evaluated, which consisted of 200 half-sib families (100 from Pop1 and 100 from Pop2), 100 full-sib families from the two populations and 24 controls. The field experiment was arranged in a lattice design with three replications in two environments, in the north and northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The genotype × environment interaction was partitioned and the genetic parameters, heterosis and predicted gains were estimated by the Mulamba and Mock index, based on selection results in both environments. The genetic parameters detected variability that can be explored in successive interpopulation recurrent selection cycles. Exploring heterosis for GY, PE and yield components is a promising option to increase grain yield and quality. The Mulamba and Mock index was efficient in predicting the genetic gains in GY and PE. Interpopulation recurrent selection proved effective to provide genetic gains for traits with predominantly additive and dominance inheritance.

In Vitro and In Vivo Digestive Fate and Antioxidant Activities of Polyphenols from Hulless Barley: Impact of Various Thermal Processing Methods and ß-Glucan.

The unfavorable bioaccessibility of polyphenols in cereal-based food limits their physiological functions as most polyphenols bind spontaneously to the cell-wall polysaccharides. Effects of ß-glucan and various thermal processing methods including flaking and roasting, stir-frying, steam-flash explosion, and popping expansion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from hulless barley in vitro and in vivo were investigated in this study. The bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity (via DPPH, ·OH, and ·O2- free radical scavenging, TAC, and FRAP assays) of polyphenol extracts from hulless barley treated by steam-flash explosion and popping expansion increased significantly before and after in vitro digestion compared to those from raw and other processed hulless barley. Further, the total polyphenol content of hulless barley elevated dramatically following hydrolyzing with ß-glucanase, which was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity. Additionally, the hulless barley treated with steam-flash explosion exhibited potent antidiabetic effects and antioxidant capacity (via TAC, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and MDA assays) in type 2 diabetic rats. The absorption of individual phenolic compounds in the alimentary canal of rats was impacted obviously by thermal processing. This study provides new insights into enhancing the bioaccessibility of the polyphenols and suggests that ß-glucans interact with polyphenols and proteins in the hulless barley matrix.

Driving Sustainable Popcorn Breeding for Drought Tolerance in Brazil.

Drought currently affects several regions worldwide and tends to be more frequent due to climate change. It might compromise food security and the economic structure related to agribusiness. Popcorn has a crucial role in the Brazilian economy, but the cultivars that adapt to water stress, the most prejudicial abiotic stress for crop productivity, are unknown to date. This deficit of popcorn varieties adapted to heat and drought stresses will become more limiting with climate change. Given this scenario, knowing the genetic basis of agronomic traits under stress conditions is essential in promoting crop productivity and plant adaptation to abiotic stresses. Under two contrasting water conditions (WC) and different crop seasons (CS), we aimed to generate information about the combining ability of 10 popcorn progenitors and 15 hybrids through a partial diallel-mating design. The water stress was initiated at the male pre-anthesis stage. Significant genotype*crop seasons (G*CS), genotype*water condition (G*WC), and genotype*crop seasons*water condition (G*CS*WC) interactions were present. Regardless of CS and WC, non-additive effects controlled grain yield (GY), grain number per row (GN), ear length and diameter (ED), and 100-grain weight, while additive effects were present for popping expansion (PE). For each CS, regardless of WC, the cause-effect of GN (2018) and ED (2020) on GY seems to be an opportunity for indirect selection. Utilizing genetically broad-based hybrids is also a good opportunity for obtaining superior genotypes for GY and PE as it is possible to select inbred lines for both of these traits. We recommend the L76 × L61 hybrid for the Brazilian agribusiness context due to its greater productivity and dominance deviations.

Diallel analysis and prediction of untested maize single cross hybrids / Análise dialélica e predição de híbridos simples de milho não testados

Popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a popular snack food and very appreciated in Brazil, presenting higher aggregate value when compared with field corn. The aim of this study were to identify superior inbred lines and single crosses hybrids (SH) for popcorn traits, as well as the prediction of the performance of untested single cross hybrids. Sixteen maize inbred lines were crossed in a 9x7 partial diallel, but it was possible to evaluate 47 single crosses in two distinct locations. Predicted genetic values, diallel analysis and the prediction of untested HS were performed by mixed models. Deviance effects for treatments x locations were considered non-significant (p>0.05) for grain yield (GY) and popping expansion (PE), showing an average performance from the HS in the locations. Inbred lines P5-1, P3.3T, GER-P3, P9-1, P12-2 andGER-P12 were selected considering the general combining ability, and should be used for obtaining superior genotypes. Based on the non-additive effects, the single hybrid P3.3T x GERP-P12 was selected for grain yield and popping expansion, and could be exploited in future trials. Neither of the untested single crosses showed desirable performance for grain yield and popcorn expansion.

O milho pipoca (Zea mays everta) é um alimento consumido e apreciado em todo o Brasil, apresentando valor comercial superior ao do milho comum. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar linhagens e híbridos simples (HS) com desempenho superior para as principais características relacionadas ao milho pipoca, além da predição do desempenho de híbridos simples não testados. Foi realizado um dialelo parcial 9x7, dos quais apenas 47 HS foram avaliados em dois locais. Os valores genéticos preditos, análise dialélica e a predição dos HS não avaliados foram realizadas via modelos mistos. Os efeitos da deviance na interação tratamentos x locais foram considerados não significativos (p>0.05) para rendimento de grãos (RG) e capacidade de expansão (CE), indicando um comportamento médio dos HS nos ambientes testados. Com base nos efeitos aditivos, as linhagens P5-1, P3.3T, GER-P3, P9-1, P12-2 e GER-P12 foram selecionados e deverão ser usadas na formação de genótipos com desempenho superior. O híbrido P3.3T x GER-P12 foi selecionadopor apresentar elevado desempenho específico para rendimento e capacidade de expansão, podendo ser utilizado em futuros experimentos. Entre os híbridos não avaliados, nenhum apresentou desempenho satisfatório para as características avaliadas.

Comparação de testadores em famílias S2 obtidas do híbrido simples de milho-pipoca IAC-112 / Comparison of testers in S2 families obtained from the popcorn single hybrid 'IAC-112'

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar três testadores (o híbrido simples modificado IAC-112, a variedade BRS-Angela e a linhagem L.8.2, extraída de um material genético norte americano), para discriminar 64 famílias S2 derivadas do híbrido simples de milho-pipoca IAC-112. As famílias foram avaliadas por seu desempenho per se e em cruzamentos com os testadores. As características avaliadas foram rendimento de grãos (RG) e capacidade de expansão (CE). Foram obtidas estimativas das capacidades geral e específica de combinação, heterose dos topcrosses e a discriminação de cada testador por meio do índice de diferenciação proposto por FASOULAS (1983). Com base nesses parâmetros, o melhor testador para as famílias S2 foi a linhagem L8.2, tanto para RG quanto para CE

This work aimed to analyze three testers (the single hybrid IAC-112, the open pollinated variety BRS-Angela and the S9 inbred line L.8.2) for the evaluating of 64 S2 families derived from the single popcorn hybrid IAC112. The families per se and their respective crosses with testers were evaluated for grain yield (GY) and popping expansion (PE). The general and specific combining ability were estimated according to the partial diallel model, topcross heterosis and the discrimination capacity of each tester through the differentiation index proposed by Fasoulas were also evaluated. The inbred line L.8.2 was the best tester for both grain yield and popping expansion, discriminating reliably the families.

Associação entre características agronômicas e capacidade de expansão em população de milho pipoca sob seleção recorrente / Association between agronomical traits and popping expansion in a popcorn population under recurrent selection

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, investigar a possibilidade de seleção mais eficiente por meio do uso de análise de trilha e de correlações parciais no programa de seleção recorrente da população UENF de milho pipoca. Duzentas famílias de irmãos completos foram obtidas e avaliadas quanto a oito características em dois ambientes no estado do Rio de Janeiro: Campos dos Goytacazes e Itaocara. A correlação genotípica entre capacidade de expansão e rendimento de grãos foi negativa e não significativa ao nível de 5 por cento de probabilidade pelo teste t. A análise de trilha demonstrou ser a massa de 100 grãos, a característica mais associada à capacidade de expansão neste estudo. Há possibilidade de obtenção de resposta correlacionada em capacidade de expansão e rendimento de grãos, desde que se selecionem, entre os genótipos de maior rendimento, aqueles com menores tamanhos de grãos.

The objective of this work was to investigate the possibility of a more efficient selection through path analysis and partial correlation in the breeding program of the UENF popcorn population by recurrent selection. Two hundred full-sib progenies were obtained and evaluated by eight traits in two environments in Rio de Janeiro State: Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara. The genotypic correlation between popping expansion and grain yield was negative and non significant at the 5 percent probability level by t test. Path analysis showed that mass weight of 100 grains is the most associated trait at popping expansion in this study. It is possible to obtain correlated response for popping expansion by grain yield, as long as genotypes with smaller grain size are selected from the genotypes with higher grain yield.

Effects of High Temperature and Relative Humidity on Mold Content and Quality of Stored Popcorn †.

White and yellow popcorn were stored in different containers at high temperature (35°C) and high relative humidity (85%) conditions for 3 months. Gradual decreases in popping volumes with the lengthening of storage time were observed in both white and yellow popcorn. Internal mold infection was quite low in both white (5.7%) and yellow (3.0%) popcorn at the beginning of storage tests. Few differences were found in total infection levels up to 60 days of storage, except that the Aspergillus glaucus group became established in place of field fungi. A gradual increase in mold infection levels was then observed during the remaining 30 days of storage. Visible mold growth was also observed on the tips of some kernels by the end of storage studies. Internal mold infection in white popcorn stored in an open container was lower (18.3%) than white popcorn stored in a closed plastic bag (75.0%) and closed plastic jar (85.3%), whereas the internal mold infection in yellow popcorn stored in an open container was higher (23.3%) than yellow popcorn stored in a closed plastic bag (6.3%) and closed plastic jar (2.6%). The A. glaucus group were the predominant molds found at the end of storage tests. The ability of toxigenic molds to invade the popcorn was determined using a dry spore inoculum. None of the inoculated molds, which included Aspergillus flavus , Penicillium martensii , and Penicillium viridicatum , were able to invade the popcorn during storage. However, the A. glaucus group predominated at the end of storage tests in the inoculated samples.