IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY-RELATED TRAITS IN MAIZE GRAIN: GENE IDENTIFICATION AND EXPLOITATION

Developing plants with improved grain quality traits involves the ability to Use existing genetic variation and to identify and manipulate commercially important genes. This will open new avenues for designing novel variation in grain composition and will provide the basis for the development of the next generation of specialty maize. This paper provides an overview of current knowledge on the identification and exploitation of genes affecting the composition, development, and structure of the maize kernel with particular emphasis On pathways relevant to endosperm growth and development, differentiation of starch-filled cells, and biosynthesis of starches, storage proteins, lipids, and carotenoids. The potential that the new technologies of cell and Molecular biology will provide for the creation of new variation in the future are indicated.