SECTION C: ENGINEERING
Due to the great maize genetic diversity, over the time selection have been practiced to obtain textures, flavors, aromas for specific uses. At present, this selection is still valid by farmers and also by researchers who take advantage of new technological advances to efficiently assist selection, and to identify maize with specific characteristics, so it is possible "to tailored" bio-fortified, specialty and quality maize varieties according to the main forms of uses, consumption, and exploitation, that provide greater value added, and that allow the development of bio-active compounds and functional foods. Likewise, for the selection of maize with greater digestibility that impact and make more efficient livestock production. The interdisciplinary interaction between maize breeding programs with researcher groups specialized in disciplines related to food technology, can generate bio-fortified specialty maize which contain bio-active and nutraceutical compounds. INIFAP's maize program at Bajío region in Mexico, has implemented strategies to generate improved bio-fortified, bio-active and functional maize varieties, which have an impact on the health and nutrition of consumers. With a view to influencing the strategies described above, emphasis has been placed on maize germplasm development, focused on implementing research lines to generate: high oil content maize; white kernel maize with nixtamalera-tortillera quality; yellow kernel maize; high-quality protein maize (QPM); pigmented (such blue maize); popcorn; forage quality; fusarium and Aflatoxin contamination resistance; among others. This paper presents the advances and achievements obtained in these research lines. Based on the presented information, it is possible to say that we are at the forefront of great challenges and opportunities in interdisciplinary maize research in Latin America. That will allow us to develop genetic materials that, in addition to face imminent production risks, we can select specialty bio-fortified maize varieties, with value added, which allow the development of bio-active components, functional foods and also development of new industrial products.
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