Constitutive Changes in Nutrients and Phytochemicals in Kernels of Aluminium-Tolerant Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L.) is among the three most important food crops worldwide. growth affected by high aluminium content in acid soils, which constitute nearly 50% of world’s cultivable area. Therefore, cultivation aluminium-tolerant maize hybrids could be a healthier alternative and an attractive source these regions. In this regard, to produce kernels, 16 inbred lines (Al-T) aluminium-susceptible (Al-S) were screened for their constitutive patterns selected nutrients phytochemicals. Proximate analysis, free phenolic acids (FPA) cell wall-bound (CPA) contents, as well antioxidant capacity (AOX) assayed anatomical kernel parts (pericarp, endosperm, germ). Kernels Al-T contained significantly higher germ protein, oil, fibre (2.9, 3.0, 0.5%, respectively) than Al-S kernels (1.9, 1.8, 0.3%, respectively). Importantly, nutraceutical contents terms pericarp FPA CPA belonging (92 mg 140 EGA/100 g). The highest AOX was observed (9.0 mmol TE/100 results herein indicate that Al-tolerance mechanisms induce positive changes phytochemicals; implies generated using emerge phytochemicals farming regions containing soils.