Sandhu, SurinderSharma, Heena2024-03-042024-03-042023Sharma, Heena (2023). Deciphering methionine content variability in maize and generation of hybrids (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810207313Maize is globally recognized as a crucial energy source in poultry diets, particularly in maize-soybean-based formulations. However, the essential amino acid methionine (Met) is often deficient in such diets, necessitating the use of costly artificial supplements in poultry production. This study aimed to profile 60 inbred lines and 27 landraces/farmers' varieties for Met and other nutritional parameters, including tryptophan, protein, starch, and β-carotene, along with yield and its contributing traits. Multivariate statistical analyses were employed to understand the overall variability among the traits. Significant variations were observed in Met and other traits across genotypes. Met content ranged from 0.030% to 0.275%, with inbred LM22 exhibiting the highest content (0.275%). Inter-relationship studies revealed no significant associations between Met and other nutritional or yield-related traits, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement in Met content, overall quality, and yield. Hybrids displayed Met content ranging from 0.15% to 0.28%, with the LM13×LM19 combination exhibiting the highest Met levels, along with optimal nutritional quality, silage quality and yield potential. This hybrid holds promise for future commercial recommendations. Moderate heritability (62.22%) coupled with a moderate genetic advance (30.57%) for Met content indicated a contribution from both additive and non-additive gene effects. Gene-specific markers based on the dzs10 locus were designed for genotyping inbred lines, enabling early selection for high Met content, pending further confirmation through marker-assisted selection. ATR-FTIR spectra were employed to validate Met content in inbred lines, providing an alternative and reliable method for selection. This study not only extensively profiled maize germplasm for Met and associated traits but also elucidated the inheritance patterns of Met and offered molecular approaches for easy detection. The findings contribute valuable insights for developing high-Met cultivars in future crop improvement programs.EnglishThesis