Cereal Chem 42:368 - 384.  |  VIEW ARTICLE

A Study on the Improvement of the Essential Amino Acid Balance of Corn Protein. I. Correlation Between Racial and Varietal Characteristics and Lysine Levels of Corn.

F. Tello, M. A. Alvarez-Tostado, and G. Alvarado. Copyright 1965 by the American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc. 

Racial and varietal trends affecting the nutritive value of corn were investigated. Kernel lysine levels, protein contents, germ solids contents, and total lysine-nitrogen ratios of numerous varieties from many areas are reported. Varieties were first grouped in terms of selected composition parameters. These were set forth after frequency distribution patterns were determined and mean values of the composition characteristics analyzed. Resulting groups were further reviewed, on the basis of their ancestral origin, to establish racial and varietal influences. A selection was made, as well, of some of the most promising varieties within races, from the standpoint of their use as starting materials for breeding work, leading toward the development of more nutritious corn hybrids. Among the races or racial complexes influencing the high-lysine-content varieties, the most outstanding appear to be the Tepecintle, White Nal-Tel, Salvadoreno Complex (TWNTS), and the races Chepo, Flint Cubano, Shandelle, and Pira. All but two of the 20 varieties, randomly selected as representatives of the TWNTS complex from Central America, were high in lysine. The two exceptions were, however, rather intermediate in lysine content. High-lysine Mexican races are Pepitilla, Chalqueno, Conico Norteno, and Celaya. In contrast to the high-lysine varieties, all seven varieties within the Tuxpeno race from Mexico proved to be lysine-low, regardless of location of cultivation or other environmental influences.