RESEARCH ON THE QUALITY OF SWEET CORN HYBRIDS GROWN UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF TRANSYLVANIAN PLAIN

Abstract

Carotenoids have antioxidant functions in plant photosynthetic processes, as well as in actions of disease reduction in mammalian systems. 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. Seven sweet corn hybrids were tested, purpose being to identify carotenoid content of each hybrid, differences between them and the way that pedo-climatic conditions of Transylvanian Plain influence carotenoid content. The experience was set up in two different locations. Average carotenoid content obtained in the two locations is higher at Jubilee hybrid. Highest values of β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin content are recorded by the Jubilee hybrid in both localities.

Keywords

• grains, carotenoids, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin.