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Physical and Chemical kernel Characteristics of Normal and Opaque-2 Endosperm Maize Hybrids¹

Six normal endosperm maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids and their opaque-2 counterparts were compared for kernel weight, volume, density, and number on six dates at 7-day intervals beginning 28 days after pollination. Whole kernel concentration and content of P, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, protein, and oil were also determined. At 56 days after pollination, kernel weight, volume, and density of the opaque-2 hybrids were 16.7, 6.9, and 10.2% less, respectively, than for the normal hybrids. Kernel weight was only slightly greater for the normal kernels at 28 and 35 days after pollination, but the difference between the endosperm types increased after the 35-day harvest. Kernel volume was similar at 28, 35, 42, and 49 days but greater for the normal endosperm kernels at 56 and 63 days. Density of the normal endosperm kernels was higher at all harvest dates with the difference between endosperm types being similar at all dates. At 56 days after pollination, the opaque-2 kernels were significantly greater in P, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, and oil concentration. When amounts of kernel constituents were expressed on a unit weight per 200 kernels basis, the normal kernels were higher than or similar to opaque-2 kernels for all constituents except K, which was higher in the opaque-2 kernels. The opaque-2 kernels were higher in concentrations of all elements at all harvest dates and were higher in content of K per 200 kernels at all harvest dates.

Key Words: Modified-protein maize • Kernel constituents • Zea mays L.

² Former postdoctoral associate, Agronomy Dep. (present address: DEKALB AgResearch, Inc., Mt. Olive, NC 28365), professor of Agronomy, and former graduate student.

Received for publication February 24, 1976.