DRY-MATTER ACCUMULATION AND CARBOHYDRATE-COMPOSITION OF A NEW CULTIVAR OF MAIZE, SUGARY-OPAQUE-2-WAXY

Abstract

Dry matter accumulation and carbohydrate composition of a new cultivar of maize (Zea mays L.), the triple mutant Sugary-Opaque-2-Waxy, was comparatively studied in relation to the cultivars Sugary, Opaque-2, Waxy, Sugary-Opaque-2 and Maya Normal. In general, all cultivars showed similar content of soluble reducing sugars. The cultivars with the sugary gene showed higher content of total soluble sugars and phytoglycogen than those with the starchy endosperm. The opposite was found to the starch content. Maya Normal and the triple mutant showed, respectively, the higher and lower values for dry matter accumulation at the different stages of endosperm development (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 days after pollination - DAP). The lower rate of dry matter accumulation suggests that the triple mutant would be more appropriate to be consumed as sweet corn.