Importance of Iron in Maize (Zea mays L.)  genotypes and quantification of iron content  by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

S Nagalakshmi; Arun Prem Kumar

Volume : II, Issue : V, May - 2013

Importance of Iron in Maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes and quantification of iron content by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

S Nagalakshmi, Arun Prem Kumar

Abstract :

Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. iron, zinc, vitamin A etc.) account for almost two–thirds of childhood death sorption Spectrophotometer, were grouped under high, medium and low categories. The iron content of the maize genotypes ranged from 9.81 to 80.47 mg / kg of grain and four genotypes had high iron content, six genotypes possessed medium iron content and four genotypes exhibited low iron content. worldwide. Most of these afflicted are dependent on staple crops such as rice, wheat and maize for their sustenance. Thus, micronutrient enrichment, i.e. biofortification of staple food crops has been considered a sustainable strategy to tackle the problem of micronutrient deficiencies. Maize is the one of the most important staple food grain in the diets of a large population of humans. Apart from carbohydrates, it is also a good source of proteins and micronutrients. The present study was conceptualized and executed for screening maize genotypes for iron content with micronutrient content in maize genotypes. Fourteen maize genotypes were obtained from the Maize Research Centre, ARI, ANGRAU, Hyderabad. The samples analyzed for grain iron content by Atomic Ab