Cereal Chem 72:281-286  |  VIEW ARTICLE

Genetic Variation for Starch Thermal and Functional Properties Among Nonmutant Maize Inbreds.

M. R. Campbell, L. M. Pollak, and P. J. White. Copyright 1995 by the American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc. 

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been used in previous studies to detect differences in thermal properties among starches of nonmutant maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes. This study was conducted to determine the magnitude of genetic and genotype by environmental effects on starch properties among a set of exotic and domestic inbred lines. Functional properties of starches from selected lines exhibiting extreme DSC values also were investigated. Highly significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) differences for DSC starch thermal properties were seen among the lines. Starches from exotic lines generally had lower gelatinization onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), and enthalpy (deltaH). A highly significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) inbred by year interaction was present for all DSC parameters with the exception of deltaH. Differences were observed in starch viscosities and gel strengths for six inbreds selected for highest and lowest Tp, deltaH, and range (Rn). Several significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) correlations occurred between DSC parameters and starch paste viscosities and gel strengths. These data suggest that evaluation of starches from nonmutant genotypes by DSC can be used to predict some functional properties. A practical application of DSC in breeding programs may include screening maize germplasm for extreme DSC values or population improvement through recurrent selection.