Grain Nutrient Composition of Maize (Zea mays L.) Drought-Tolerant Populations

A total of 13 maize populations from the drought-tolerant mini core collection from Maize Research Institute gene bank were evaluated for oil, protein, and tryptophan contents, fatty acid (FA) composition, and kernel characteristics. All accessions are high oil (5.8-7.9%) and protein (10.58-12.45%) genotypes. Most of the accessions showed high contents of tryptophan (0.070-0.081%) and saturated (12.65-17.91%) and monounsaturated (24.19-45.52%) FAs. Significant positive correlations were found between oil and protein and between oil and tryptophan contents (p < 0.01). Correlations between oil and principal FA were non-significant. Several accessions showed multiple nutritional advantages. For example, IP6428 had high oil (7.3%), tryptophan (0.081%), and saturated FA (17.9%) contents. Moreover, a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between palmitic (13.68%) and oleic (34.74%) acids enables the use of IP6428 for developing lines high in these FAs. Because drought-tolerant accessions were selected in both subtropical and temperate zones, they could be used for breeding value-added maize adapted to both environments.