Impact of Provenance on Phytochemical Attributes of Pigmented Landrace Maize Varieties

Maize is one of the most diverse cereal crops that contribute highly in calorie supply to human diet. Pigmented maize secondary metabolites which are phytochemicals healthy importance include carotenoids and phenolics act as precursors vitamin A antioxidants respectively. landrace cultivated by smallholder farmers their localities. Three different pigmented varieties from growing districts were analysed for total content (TCC) phenolic (TPC), using spectrophotometer. The experience a warm temperate climate higher rainfall summer than winter but they differ Ntcheu has highest average annual temperature 20.3°C while Dedza receives precipitation about 1010 mm. Mzimba an 20.1°C 915 mm annually. Individual high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). TCC significantly (p < 0.05) provenances compared Dedza. Lutein (22.84 ± 1.25 µg/g) Zeaxanthin (23.16 2.44 orange Ntcheu. provenance showed beta-cryptoxanthin (8.60 2.15 µg/g). TPC not between (204.29 0.35 mg/Kg) (207.65 0.22 mg /kg) red maize. least (184.06 0.61 mg/Kg). It seems influenced phytochemical attributes some instances. This study also revealed post-harvest handling affects content. Care should, therefore, be taken avoid loses. Farmers all other stakeholders Malawi encouraged produce diets order gain associated health benefits. Further studies needed complete characterisation compounds Malawi.