Exploring Maize (Zea mays L.) Landraces: Characterizationfor Yield and Quality Traits to Foster Genetic Improvement

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) landraces, meticulously selected and preserved by farmers over generations, represent invaluable reservoirs ofgenetic diversity, providing enhanced adaptability, superior quality traits, and resilience against various stresses. This study harnessedthe genetic potential of these traditional resources by collecting and evaluating 27 landraces, farmers' varieties, and cultivars fromdiverse agro-climatic regions. Key nutritional parameters, including protein, starch, and micronutrient content, as well as critical yieldrelated traits, were evaluated. The analysis revealed significant variation in grain colour, size, and nutritional composition, particularly for methionine, tryptophan, protein, starch, and β-carotene. Notable lines included HP Selection Kangra, Yellow op2 Composite, White op2 Composite, Kailer Solan, and Local 3, which exhibited superior levels of methionine (0.17%), tryptophan (0.052%), protein (11.95%), starch (69.62%), and β-carotene (6.24 ppm), respectively. Grain yield variability ranged from 0.42 to 4.78 t/ha, with significant differences observed in kernels per row (20–36) and thousand-kernel weight (139.80–359.83 g). Outstanding performers included JC 1455-1 for the highest grain yield (4.78 t/ha), Nadaun Selection for thousand-kernel weight (359.83 g), and JC 4 for kernels per row (36). These findings highlight the critical role of maize landraces as unique genetic resources for enhancing genetic diversity and trait improvement. The promising lines identified in this study offer a foundation for future genetic enhancement efforts, focusing on broadening the genetic base of maize and developing nutritionally enriched, high-yielding cultivars suited to diverse agro-ecologies.