Maize with Multilayer Aleurone of High Protein Content 1

Coroico corn ( Zea mays L.), a South American race of floury maize contained two to six layers of aleurone cells instead of the customary single aleurone cell layer found in ordinary yellow dent corn. In Coroico with an average of 3.7 aleurone cell layers, the aleurone made up 4.3% of the endosperm as against 2.1% in yellow dent corn. Total protein in Coroico aleurone is 35 to 38% compared with 22% in yellow dent corn. Lysine levels in aleurone proteins of all corns examined, both Coroico and yellow dent were comparable ranging from 4.0 to 4.4 g/100 g of protein. Because of the additive effect of the multiple aleurone and the high protein content of the aleurone, lysine in Coroico endosperm was higher than in that of yellow dent corn. Multiple aleurone is transmitted as a partial dominant character over the normal single aleurone condition. Improvement of protein nutritional quality using Coroico germ plasm appears worthwhile.