Development of Extra-Early Provitamin A Quality Protein Maize Inbreds with Resistance/Tolerance to Striga hermonthica and Soil Nitrogen Stress

A hemiparasitic plant, Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth and soil nitrogen stress are the key constraints to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, where commonly cultivated is normal endosperm type that deficient provitamin A, tryptophan lysine (PVATL). Seventy-six extra-early inbreds with tryptophan, qualities (TZEEIORQ) were developed address these constraints, four checks assessed under Striga, low high conditions at three locations Nigeria. The further genotyped two beta-carotene hydroxylase 1 (crtRB1) markers, their seeds quantified for content. Significant (P < 0.01) genetic variations observed grain yield other agronomic attributes of varying environmental conditions. Levels PVATL ranged from 2.21–10.95 µg g−1, 0.04–0.08%, 0.19–0.39%, respectively. Beta-carotene marker, crtRB1-3′TE, was polymorphic grouped into two. marker effective identifying moderate Inbreds TZEEIORQ 5, 52, 55 exhibited resistance tolerance levels could be invaluable sources favorable alleles breeding nutritionally improved varieties resistance/tolerance stress.