Consumer interest in foods enriched with phytochemical compounds for health benefits has prompted plant breeders to focus on developing new cultivars with an enhanced content of specific compounds. Studies regarding the exploration of germplasms of species of great economic importance, such as maize, could be useful in this task. This study aimed to assess the physical grain traits and phenolic compound variations (including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins) in blue-purple maize accessions from various Mexican races. We examined 207 accessions from 21 Mexican maize races, evaluating physical grain traits such as weight of one hundred grains (W100G), endosperm type (ET), pigment location, and grain color. Phenolic composition analysis encompassed total soluble phenolics (TSP), total anthocyanin content (TAC), flavonoids (FLAV), and proanthocyanidins (PAs). The predominant endosperm type was floury, with W100G values indicating a large grain size and the pigment primarily located in the aleurone layer. Among phenolic composition variables, only TSP exhibited a normal distribution, while others skewed towards the left side. A hierarchical analysis of phenolic composition data revealed three distinct groups comprising different numbers of Mexican varieties, with TAC proving the most effective for grouping. Our comprehensive exploration of maize diversity featuring blue-purple grain coloration has led to the identification of novel maize varieties with outstanding phenolic contents.

The color of maize grain, ranging from pink to purple, is related to the presence of phenolic compounds whose efficient extraction is affected by the solvent used. This study aimed to determine the effect of solvents and maize grain color on the phenolic composition and biological activities of maize extracts. Six samples (two with brick red, BR, two with cherry red CR, and two with blue–purple BP) of maize grain were used. The solvents were acidic methanol (MTFA) and aqueous acetone (AWAC). The phenolic composition was evaluated by total soluble phenolics (TSPs), anthocyanins (TACs), flavonoids (FLAVs), and proanthocyanidins (PAs). Biological activities evaluated were antioxidant capacity (AC), antifungal activity (AFA) and antimutagenic (AM) activity. The type of solvent used exerted a higher effect than the maize grain color on the phenolic composition of biological activities. The TAC and FLAV variables were more influenced by solvent than TSPs and PAs, while AC was affected only when evaluated by the DPPH method. AWAC extracts showed AFA and had the highest AM, unlike MTFA extracts. These results highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate solvent to maximize the functional properties of maize grain extracts and reach a more objective evaluation of the potential of food on its biological activities.

Objective: To identify current scientific information on maize (Zea mays L.) in relation to the challenges and opportunities associated with the specialization of this crop. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic search was conducted in high-impact journals focusing on the difficulties and opportunities in maize cultivation. Results: Several key challenges in maize cultivation were identified, including the impact of climate change, limited access to technologies for small and medium producers, variability in grain price, and the availability of improved seed to increase yields in their reproductive zones. One potential solution involves access to improved short-cycle varieties with tolerance to adverse factors (both biotic and abiotic), combined with sustainable agricultural techniques such as conservation agriculture. Limitations on study/implications: Despite existing research on maize cultivation, its composition, nutritional contribution and economic importance, the profitability of this crop is affected by factors such as price variation, climate change, and the incidence of pests and diseases. Therefore, further research is needed to identify varieties with more competitive markets to enhance sustainability. Findings/conclusions: Maize is a globally important crop with industrial applications and uses for both human and livestock consumption. The increasing demand underscores the need to improve its performance and profitability. A strategy to increase production involves promoting diversification through the specialization of varieties with more competitive markets and the adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, with multiple uses, including its role as a staple food for humans, as animal feed, and as a key industrial raw material. Its production is threatened by Fusarium spp., a widespread fungal pathogen that causes significant yield losses and contaminates grain with harmful toxins that constitute a health risk for consumers and animals. Among the grain characteristics reported as relevant for tolerance to this pathogen are pericarp thickness and composition, although results remain inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the structural characteristics and phenolic composition of the pericarp in diverse native pigmented grain maize populations (NPMP) and inbred lines, and their relationship with susceptibility to Fusarium spp. Pigmented maize populations (EOGro, CTlax, EC149Pue, MGto, and ECMex) and inbred lines (B-50, B-50R, B-49 B-4A and B-5A) were used. All materials were grown at the same location, and tolerance to Fusarium spp. was assessed under natural and assisted infection using incidence (IN, %) and severity of infection (SI, %) as indicators. The phenolic composition (total soluble phenolics, phenolic acid fractions, insoluble phenolics, and phlobaphenes) and structural characteristics of the pericarp were determined, and proanthocyanidin content was quantified in the grain. Both IN and SI varied among genetic materials, with NPMP showing greater susceptibility than inbred lines, which had a thicker pericarp. Pericarp thickness was not correlated with IN, but it was relevant for SI, in both NPMP and inbred lines. Insoluble phenolics content was 31.4% higher in inbred lines compared with NPMP. High levels of proanthocyanidins and phlobaphenes were associated with greater tolerance to Fusarium spp. in some maize populations. Tolerance to Fusarium spp. was associated with pericarp thickness in inbred lines, whereas in native pigmented maize populations, it was linked to the accumulations of pigmented phenolics in pericarp.