Articles
Qualitative changes occurred at several sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) cultivars in different agrotechnical conditions
Article number
1391_13
Pages
91 – 98
Language
English
Abstract
Sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) is one of the most valued and among the most cultivated vegetable crops, since its grains contain a number of nutrients indispensable to the human body.
Nutritional value is important since it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fibers and some necessary vitamins and minerals.
In Romania this vegetable has become more and more appreciated and consumed.
In order to bring some clarifications regarding the behavior of some local and foreign sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) cultivars, in terms of elements of quality and chemical composition, an experience has been established in Cluj-Napoca area, Romania.
The chemical composition and food value of these cultivars was directly influenced by used cultivar and the technology applied.
Carotenoids have antioxidant functions in plant photosynthetic processes.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are important dietary carotenoids.
Sweet corn is one of only a few vegetable sources high in zeaxanthin.
Zeaxanthin, along lutein, are the major carotenoids contributing to the characteristic color of sweet corn.
From a human health perspective, these two carotenoids are also specifically accumulated in the human retina, and are thought to protect the photoreceptor cells of the eye from blue light oxidative damage and to improve visual acuity.
As humans cannot synthesize these compounds, they must be accumulated from dietary components containing zeaxanthin and lutein.
Highest performances in terms of β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin content, are recorded by Challenger F1 in both variants (irrigated and non-irrigated), Deliciul Verii hybrid records significant value for lutein content, also recording an important addition of carbohydrates, hybrids Legend and Estival recorded highest values of sucrose.
Nutritional value is important since it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fibers and some necessary vitamins and minerals.
In Romania this vegetable has become more and more appreciated and consumed.
In order to bring some clarifications regarding the behavior of some local and foreign sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) cultivars, in terms of elements of quality and chemical composition, an experience has been established in Cluj-Napoca area, Romania.
The chemical composition and food value of these cultivars was directly influenced by used cultivar and the technology applied.
Carotenoids have antioxidant functions in plant photosynthetic processes.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are important dietary carotenoids.
Sweet corn is one of only a few vegetable sources high in zeaxanthin.
Zeaxanthin, along lutein, are the major carotenoids contributing to the characteristic color of sweet corn.
From a human health perspective, these two carotenoids are also specifically accumulated in the human retina, and are thought to protect the photoreceptor cells of the eye from blue light oxidative damage and to improve visual acuity.
As humans cannot synthesize these compounds, they must be accumulated from dietary components containing zeaxanthin and lutein.
Highest performances in terms of β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin content, are recorded by Challenger F1 in both variants (irrigated and non-irrigated), Deliciul Verii hybrid records significant value for lutein content, also recording an important addition of carbohydrates, hybrids Legend and Estival recorded highest values of sucrose.
Authors
A.I. Apahidean, G. Hoza, M. Dinu, R. Soare, V. Mitre, R. Sima, E. Buta, S. Rózsa
Keywords
hybrids, irrigated, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, sucrose
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