Development of Extra-Early Provitamin A Quality Protein Maize Inbreds with Resistance/Tolerance to Striga hermonthica and Soil Nitrogen Stress

A hemiparasitic plant, Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth and soil nitrogen stress are the key constraints to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, where commonly cultivated maize is the normal endosperm type that is deficient in provitamin A, tryptophan and lysine (PVATL). Seventy-six extra-early maize inbreds with provitamin A, tryptophan, and lysine qualities (TZEEIORQ) were developed to address these constraints, and four checks were assessed under Striga, low and high nitrogen conditions at three locations in Nigeria. The inbreds were further genotyped with two beta-carotene hydroxylase 1 (crtRB1) markers, and their seeds were quantified for provitamin A content. Significant (P < 0.01) genetic variations were observed for grain yield and other agronomic attributes of the inbreds under varying environmental conditions. Levels of PVATL for the inbreds ranged from 2.21–10.95 µg g−1, 0.04–0.08%, and 0.19–0.39%, respectively. Beta-carotene marker, crtRB1-3′TE, was polymorphic and grouped the inbreds into two. The marker was effective in identifying inbreds with moderate provitamin A content. Inbreds TZEEIORQ 5, TZEEIORQ 52, and TZEEIORQ 55 exhibited resistance to Striga, tolerance to nitrogen stress with moderate levels of PVATL and could be invaluable sources of favorable alleles for breeding nutritionally improved maize varieties with resistance/tolerance to Striga and soil nitrogen stress.

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Identification and Characterization of Carotenoids, Vitamin E and Minerals of Biofortified Sorghum

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa067_019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1792-1792

Author(s):

Hawi Debelo ◽

Marc Albertsen ◽

Marissa Simon ◽

Ping Che ◽

Mario Ferruzzi

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Food Systems ◽

Zinc Content ◽

Optical Emission ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Emission Spectrometry ◽

Iron And Zinc ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Objectives Sorghum is a critical staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa and has been included in biofortification efforts to enhance shortfall micronutrient content including provitamin A carotenoids (pVA), zinc and iron. The purpose of this study was to evaluate progress in enhancement of pVA, tocochromanol (vitamin E), iron and zinc content as well as improvements in stability from a new generation of transgenic biofortified sorghum events in order to prioritize selection for translation to food systems. Methods Transgenic sorghum events (n = 16) from three different genotypic backgrounds developed to increase provitamin A biosynthesis (PSY1 + CRTI genes, +/− CRTB gene) and increase tocochromanol accumulation (HGGT gene) for vitamin A stability were characterized for carotenoid and tocochromanol profile using liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection. Events were compared against their respective null segregants and wild type (WT) sorghum. Mineral content of sorghum lines and those developed to increase iron and zinc accumulation (YSL2 + NAS2 genes) was assessed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. Storage stability of carotenoids and tocochromanols was assessed under controlled conditions (25°C; 57%RH) over 3 months. Results Total pVA content from transgenic sorghum (5.9 ± 0.1 – 28.6 ± 0.6 mg/gFW) was significantly different (P < 0.05) from null (0.4 ± 0 – 1.2 ± 0 mg/gFW) or WT (0.73 ± 0.2 mg/gFW). A general increase in total tocochromanol accumulation was observed in transgenic sorghum events (14.9 ± 0.8 – 36.2 ± 1.3 mg/gFW) compared to null/WT (14.2 ± 0.5 – 32.4 ± 4.4 mg/gFW) with significant differences observed among transgenic events across different sorghum genotypes (P < 0.05). Mineral accumulation varied among sorghum events with levels ranging from 28.44 ± 1.9 – 48.85 ± 4.9 mg/g and 27.65 ± 4.5 – 63.59 ± 13.4 mg/g FW for zinc and iron respectively. Highest level of zinc and iron was observed in Tx430 sorghum event. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight progress in pVA levels of transgenic biofortified sorghum and the potential for increased vitamin E levels to improve pVA stability over storage. Studies are underway to characterize the bioaccessibility of pVA carotenoids, Fe and Zn from these events. Funding Sources Pioneer Foundation.

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Contrasting Response Mechanisms of Maize Lines to Striga hermonthica

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture10100485 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 485

Author(s):

Nnanna N. Unachukwu ◽

Abebe Menkir ◽

Adekemi Stanley ◽

Ebenezer O. Farombi ◽

Melaku Gedil

Keyword(s):

Cost Effective ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Control Measures ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Striga Hermonthica ◽

Maize Line ◽

Parasitic Weed ◽

Resistant Lines ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Better Than

Strigahermonthica (Del.) Benth is a parasitic weed that devastates cereals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Several control measures have been proposed for the parasite, of these, host plant resistance is considered the most cost-effective for poor farmers. Some tolerant/resistant lines have been developed and these lines display tolerance/resistance mechanisms to the parasite. A series of studies was done to investigate some of the mechanisms through which a resistant (TZISTR1108) and a susceptible (5057) maize line responds to S. hermonthica infestation, as well as the effects of parasitism on these lines. In this study, TZISTR1108 stimulated the germination and attachment of fewer S. hermonthica plants than 5057, both in the laboratory and on the field. In TZISTR1108, the growth of the S. hermonthica plants, that successfully attached, was slowed. When compared to the un-infested plants, the infested resistant plants showed fewer effects of parasitism than the infested susceptible plants. The infested TZISTR1108 plants were more vigorous, taller and resembled their un-infected counterparts. There were substantial reductions in the stomatal conductance and nitrogen content of the 5057 upon infestation. The resistant inbred line showed multiple mechanisms of resistance to S. hermonthica infestation. It thrives better than the susceptible line by reducing the attachment of S. hermonthica and it delays the parasite’s development.

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A Land Management Based Approach to Integrated Striga hermonthica Control in sub-Saharan Africa

Outlook on Agriculture ◽

10.1177/003072709602500304 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 157-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Dana Berner ◽

Robert Carsky ◽

Kenton Dashiell ◽

Jennifer Kling ◽

Victor Manyong

Keyword(s):

Land Management ◽

Management Practices ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Cultural Control ◽

Crop Rotations ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Striga Hermonthica ◽

Bush Fallow ◽

Sub Saharan

Striga hermonthica, an obligate root parasite of grasses, Is one of the most severe constraints to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. In the recent past, prior to increased production pressure on land, S. hermonthica was controlled in African farming systems by prolonged crop rotations with bush fallow. Because of increasing need for food and concomitant changes in land management practices, however, these fallow rotations are no longer extensively used. Shorter crop rotations and fallow periods have also led to declines in soil fertility which present a very serious threat to African food production. A sustainable solution will be an integrated approach that simultaneously addresses both of these major problems. An integrated programme that replaces traditional bush fallow rotation with non-host nitrogen-fixing legume rotations, using cultivars selected for efficacy in germinating S. hermonthica seeds, is outlined. The programme includes use of S. hermonthlca-free planting material, biological control, cultural control to enhance biological suppressiveness, host-plant resistance, and host-seed treatments.

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Nutritional Properties of Ogi Powder and Sensory Perception of Ogi Porridge Made From Synthetic Provitamin: A Maize Genotype

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.685004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Omololami Tolulope Akinsola ◽

Emmanuel Oladeji Alamu ◽

Bolanle Omolara Otegbayo ◽

Abebe Menkir ◽

Busie Maziya-Dixon

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Sensory Perception ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Carotenoid Content ◽

Adult Males ◽

Phytic Acid Content ◽

Need To Evaluate ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Phytate Content

Provitamin-A maize (PVA) with increased carotenoid content obtained through conventional breeding techniques has been largely successful in sub-Saharan Africa. This resulted in a need to evaluate their susceptibility, retention, and nutritional content during processing into local foods. This study evaluated the chemical, carotenoid composition, and retention of PVA, the phytic acid content in ogi powder, and the sensory perception of ogi porridge produced traditionally from the three novel PVA maize genotypes (PVA SYN HGAC0 Maize 1; PVA SYN HGBC0 Maize 2; and PVA SYN HGBC1 Maize 3) and one yellow maize variety (control). Chemical composition analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all parameters. The PVA ranged from 5.96 to 8.43 μg/g in Maize 2 and 3 before processing while the true percentage retention after processing into ogi powder ranged from 20.25 to 37.54% in Maize 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, there was a reduction in the phytate content of ogi powder, and Maize 2 contained the lowest (2.78 mg/g from 4.09 mg/g). Maize 2 genotype had the highest vitamin A contribution; it can meet 18.3% of the vitamin A requirements in children while in adult males and females (>19 years), 6.2 and 7.7%, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that the ogi 3 porridge (Maize 3) was the most acceptable, followed by Maize 2. In conclusion, Maize 2 had the highest PVA, true retention of carotenoid, vitamin A contributions, and the second most acceptable ogi porridge with the lowest phytate content.

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Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of QPM, Provit-A, and Elite Maize Inbreds Resistant to Downy Mildew Disease Using Simple Sequence Repeats

Jurnal Penelitian Pertanian Tanaman Pangan ◽

10.21082/jpptp.v4n3.2020.p161-170 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 161

Author(s):

Nining Nurini Andayani ◽

Muzdalifah Isnaini ◽

Muhammad Aqil ◽

Amran Muis ◽

Marcia Bunga Pabendon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Distance ◽

Downy Mildew ◽

Simple Sequence Repeats ◽

Beta Carotene ◽

Distance Analysis ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Maize Inbreds ◽

Biology Laboratory ◽

Simple Sequence ◽

Downy Mildew Disease

Functional maize tends to be more susceptible to major maize diseases, particularly Downy mildew. Among the functional maize are Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and Provit A maize. The presence of higher amino acid and beta carotene in functional maize might have caused these types of maize more susceptible to Downy mildew disease. The objective of the research was to identify the heterotic pairs among maize inbreds i.e. QPM, Provit A, and local maize varieties resistant to Downy mildew disease using Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) marker. The research was conducted from April to July 2017 at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of Indonesian Cereals Research Institute. A total of five QPM inbreds, 15 Provit A inbreds, and 11 Downy mildew resistant local varieties of maize were used in the experiment using 34 SSR markers. Results indicated that among 34 SSR locus analysed, variation of allele lengths ranged from 74 bp to 500 bp. A total of 125 alleles ranging from two to nine alleles per locus with an average of 3.68 alleles were generated. The data indicated wide genetic variations among characters. DNA band profile showed that nc130 marker produced the highest PIC (over 0.83) and allele value (8.00). Genetic distance analysis found a total of 21 heterotic genotypes with genetic distance exceeds 0.65.

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Screening of Provitamin-A Maize Inbred Lines for Drought Tolerance Using β-carotene Content: Morphophysiological and Biochemical Traits

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy9110692 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 692 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Aleck Kondwakwenda ◽

Julia Sibiya ◽

Rebecca Zengeni ◽

Cousin Musvosvi ◽

Samson Tesfay

Keyword(s):

Drought Tolerance ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Inbred Lines ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Biochemical Traits ◽

Carotene Content ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Β Carotene

Provitamin A maize (Zea mays L.) biofortification is an ideal complementary means of combating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in sub-Saharan Africa where maize consumption is high coupled by high VAD incidences. However, drought remains a major abiotic constraint to maize productivity in this region. Comprehensive drought screening of initial breeding materials before advancing them is important to achieve genetic gain. In this study, 46 provitamin-A inbred lines were screened for drought tolerance in the greenhouse and field under drought and optimum conditions using β-carotene content (BCC), grain yield (GY), and selected morphophysiological and biochemical traits. The results revealed that BCC, morphophysiological and biochemical traits were effective in discriminating among genotypes. Number of ears per plant (EPP), stomatal conductance (Gs), delayed leaf senescence (SEN), leaf rolling (RL), chlorophyll content (CC) and free proline content (PC) proved to be ideal traits to use when indirectly selecting for GY by virtue of having relative efficiency of indirect selection values that are greater than unity and considerable genetic variances under either or both conditions. The findings of this study form the basis of initial germplasm selection when improving provitamin A maize for drought tolerance.

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Identification of donors for low-nitrogen stress with maize lethal necrosis (MLN) tolerance for maize breeding in sub-Saharan Africa

Euphytica ◽

10.1007/s10681-019-2406-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 215 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Biswanath Das ◽

Gary N. Atlin ◽

Michael Olsen ◽

Juan Burgueño ◽

Amsal Tarekegne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Nitrogen Stress ◽

Maize Breeding ◽

Low Nitrogen Stress ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Low Nitrogen

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Factor analysis to investigate genotype and genotype × environment interaction effects on pro-vitamin A content and yield in maize synthetics

Euphytica ◽

10.1007/s10681-019-2505-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 215 (11) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wende Mengesha ◽

Abebe Menkir ◽

Silvestro Meseka ◽

Bunmi Bossey ◽

Agbona Afolabi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Stable Performance

Abstract Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa affecting 33 million preschool-age children. Enrichment of maize varieties with provitamin A could provide sustainable and affordable solution to VAD. This study was conducted to understand the extent of GEI effects on both grain yield and provitamin A content in 21 maize synthetics and identify synthetics combining stable performance with high level provitamin A content across diverse environments in West Africa. Combined analysis of variance found significant (p < 0.01) GEI effects that prompted further investigation of the GEI magnitude using mixed model with factor analysis. Factors 1 and 2 explained 71% of the total variability. G5, G4, G12, G18, G2 and G14 were broadly adapted to a range of environments and considered the most stable and high yielding. G8, G1, and G10 were specifically adapted to a group of environments. Whereas, G21, G19 and G17 were found to be the worst and unstable genotypes. G4 combined stable performance with high provitamin A content, whereas G20 and G18 were stable but had low provitamin A contents. Three genotypes, G4, G12 and G14 were found to combine stability with high provitamin A contents. These genotypes can be recommended for production in the low-land tropics of West and Central Africa with similar environments.

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Striga Infestation in Kenya: Status, Distribution and Management Options

Sustainable Agriculture Research ◽

10.5539/sar.v2n2p99 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 99 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Evans Atuti Atera ◽

Takashige Ishii ◽

John C. Onyango ◽

Kazuyuki Itoh ◽

Tetsushi Azuma

Keyword(s):

Control Program ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Plant Diseases ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Striga Hermonthica ◽

Management Options ◽

Qualitative Interaction ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Serious Injury

Striga spp. is considered to be the greatest biological constraint to food production in sub-Saharan Africa, a more serious problem than insects, birds and plant diseases. They are among the most specialized root-parasitic plants inflicting serious injury to their host depriving them water, minerals and photosynthate. The greatest diversity of Striga spp. occurs in grassland. However, Striga hermonthica mainly occurs in farmland infecting grasses. The parasite devastating effect is accomplished prior to its emergence from the soil. It may cause yield losses in cereals ranging from 15% under favourable conditions to 100% where several stress factors are involved, thereby affecting the livelihood of millions of resource-poor farmers. Piecemeal approach to address one aspect of Striga problem at a time has been a setback in technology transfer to producers. Future Striga control programs should not be conducted separately, but should rather be conducted in an integrated approach that combines research talents of various institutions. This will facilitate collaborative research and achieve qualitative interaction between stakeholders, which can easily produce reliable technologies that are practical and available to farmers. Striga being a pervasive pest, time is of essence in controlling it. There is an urgent need for the establishment of policies to promote, implement, and ensure a long-term sustainable Striga control program.

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Grain Quality, Provitamin A Carotenoid Profiles, and Sensory Quality of Provitamin A-Biofortified Maize Stiff Porridges

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9121909 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1909

Author(s):

Daniso Beswa ◽

Muthulisi Siwela ◽

Eric O. Amonsou ◽

Unathi Kolanisi

Keyword(s):

Sensory Quality ◽

Grain Quality ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Kernel Weight ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Grain Colour ◽

Β Carotene

Provitamin A-biofortified maize could contribute to the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to a high consumption of starchy, maize-based diets. Four varieties of provitamin A biofortified maize were studied for grain colour, grain texture, thousand kernel weight, and hectolitre mass. Provitamin A biofortified maize stiff porridges were prepared and their retained provitamin A was determined using lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene (all-trans and cis isomers) as standards. Provitamin A concentration in the biofortified porridges ranged from 2.24 to 3.18 µg/g and retention from 91–105%. Descriptive sensory analysis and the 5-point facial hedonic test were used to evaluate the sensory quality of the porridges. The biofortified maize porridges were described as sticky, fine, with high intensity residual grain, and having a slightly bitter aftertaste with a cooked maize flavour and aroma, whereas the intensities of these attributes were insignificant in white maize porridge. About 33% of the consumer sample (N = 60) liked the porridges and 28% disliked the porridges, whilst approximately 38% of the consumers were neutral. The findings suggest that biofortified maize stiff porridge can deliver a significant amount of provitamin A to targeted consumers, but the acceptance of biofortified maize still needs to be improved on.

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