Biochemical profiling and its role in physiological quality of maize seeds

Abstract: Viability and vigor of seeds are physiological attributes influenced by a myriad of factors including the genotype. Biochemical profiling of maize seeds and its correlation with their physiological quality is of crucial importance in breeding programs that the aim is seeds of better quality. The main goal of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity among maize inbred lines and evaluate the biochemical components that have an important role in physiological quality of seeds. The seeds of the inbred lines and hybrids were submitted to viability test, vigor by the accelerated aging and cold tolerance, and biochemical profiling (total protein content, soluble proteins, total phosphorus, phytate, inorganic phosphorus, starch and soluble sugars). The genetic divergence between the inbred lines found, prompt us to conclude that genetic gains may exist in association with physiological quality of maize hybrids. Seeds with higher inorganic phosphorus and soluble sugars presented superior physiological quality than seeds with lower levels of those compounds.