Introgression of the low phytic acid locus (lpa2) into elite maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB)

Phytic acid (PA) is an important antinutritional component in maize that affects the availability of major micro-nutrients like di- and multi-valent mineral cations iron (Fe) zinc (Zn). The long-term consumption as a staple food crop leads to micronutrient malnutrition especially deficiency human population. In addition, it also acts storehouse part phosphorous (P), approximately 80% total P stored phytate not available mono-gastric animals humans poultry birds, gets excreted such, leading one environmental pollution called eutrophication. Of various low phytic (lpa) mutants, lpa2-2 generated through mutagenesis reduces PA by 30%. BML 6 45, parents popular hybrid DHM 121 with high were selected introgress marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). percent recurrent parental genome (RPG) BC2F2 plants ranged from 88.68 91.04% 90.09–91.51% genetic background respectively. Based on highest percentage RPG, best five plants, viz., #3190, #3283, #3230, #3263 #3292 RPG 88.68–91.04% #3720, #3776, #3717, #3828 #3832 45 advanced BC2F3. newly developed near-isogenic lines (NILs) possessed content (2.37 mg/g 2.40 45) compared 3.59 3.16 respectively thereby reducing average 34 24 per cent, These progenies similar their for morphological traits. inbreds assume great significance alleviating Fe Zn deficiencies worldwide.