Abstract

GONZALEZ-CORTES, Nicolás et al. Characteristics and properties of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in native Aguascalientes, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.3, pp.669-680. ISSN 2007-0934.

Abstract In this study characteristics of cobs and grains were analyzed, plus the mineral content and protein nixtamales, nejayotes and tortillas to 12 accessions of landraces cultivated in the region of El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico; an area considered highly marginalized. The results indicated that the cobs and grains had similar characteristics in length, perimeter and number of rows of kernels; however, it did exist marked difference in grain weight and germination percentage. As for the content of minerals, corn’s nixtamalized high in iron, zinc and boron were the "Santa Rosa", "Retoño-7" and "AMET-2" with 81.3, 29.8 and 59.4 mg kg-1, respectively. While in tortilla with higher content of iron, zinc and boron were those of "Retoño-7", the "AMET-1" and "Retoño-1", with 54.2, 8.1 and 95 mg kg-1, consecutively. Protein content, highlighted the tortillas made with corn "Retoño-5" (10.72), "Retoño-1" (10.32) and "Retoño-7" (10.31%). Additionally, it was found that nejayotes contain important minerals such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and B. It is concluded that landraces have features and important properties for cultivation and consumption: important criteria to justify further preservation cultivation and diversification of these native breeds, together with strengthening research in culture and encourage the use of this endemic genetic wealth.

Keywords : Zea mays L.; iron; protein; tortilla; zinc.