Maize (Zea mays L.) genebank for agriculture and food industry

Abstract

Com breeding can be successful only on a broad base of genetic material. The expansion of breeding aims includes the research of germplasm materials. In our experiments, we examined 11 blue, purple and red exotic com varieties on two locations in Hungary. We conducted a complex study to obtain more information. We studied several morphological and phenological features and determined the most important qualitative parameters (protein, fat, ash). Results show that there are great opportunities in exotic com varieties. Their quality exceeds that of the yellow ones in many cases. There are significant differences in yield and nutritional parameters. The favourable nutritional composition is not coupled with great productivity. Based on their flowering time and their agronomical features, they can be cultivated under Hungarian conditions as well. They match the new breeding aims, so they can be used as functional food or energy plants. The cultivation of alternative crops has an important role in world agriculture. Their market share is continuously growing in the food industry rector.