Influence of genotype and environmental adaptation into the maize grain quality traits for nixtamalization

Using tropical and highland pre-commercial hybrids available from Masagro collaborative team, the objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the influence of genotype and environmental adaptation on grain and tortilla quality properties; (2) to investigate relationships between agronomic traits, grain properties, and tortilla quality properties; and (3) to identify the most stable and best hybrids in terms of grain quality to be recommended to the masa-tortilla and nixtamalized flour industries. Kernels from highland adapted hybrids were softer (flotation index (FI) = 68%) than kernels from tropical adapted hybrids (FI = 15%). Highland adapted hybrids yield more tortillas (1.45 kg kg−1 maize), which were softer (197 gf) and lighter (92% reflectance) than the ones obtained from tropical adapted hybrids (1.38 kg kg−1 maize; 271.5 gf, and 88% reflectance, respectively). Correlations between grain yield and all grain and quality parameters were low, suggesting that it is possible to breed simultaneously to increase grain yield and ensure excellent nixtamalized quality parameters.