Malnutrition, as a global problem, is mainly caused by
low level of mineral elements in staple food (deficient
soil). Biofortification is based on selection of genotypes
with enhanced concentration of mineral elements in
grain, as well as decreased concentration of substances
which interfere bioavailability of mineral elements in gut
(like phytic acid), and increased content of substances
that increase availability (such as β-carotene). The
experiment with 51 maize (
Zea mays
L.) inbred lines
with different heterotic background was set up in order to
evaluate chemical composition of grain and to determine
the relations between phytic acid (PA), β-carotene, and
mineral elements: Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The highest
average phytate, β-carotene, Fe, and Mn content was found
in grain of inbreds from
Lancaster heterotic group. The
highest content of Mg was in grain of Independent source
and Zn in grain of
BSSS group. Increased level of Fe and
Mn in
Lancaster lines could be partially affected by higher
PA content in grain, while increased β-carotene content
could improve Mn and Zn availability from grain of
BSSS
genotypes and Mg availability from
Lancaster inbreds. It
is important to underline that PA reduction is followed by
Zn content increase in grain of
Lancaster heterotic group,
as well as that variations in Mg, Fe, and Mn contents are
independent on PA status in inbreds from Independent
source, indicating that the genotypes with higher Mg, Fe
and Mn status from this group could serve as favorable
source for improved Mg, Fe, and Mn absorption.
