Exploring ZmVTE4 Polymorphism in Local Maize Germplasm

Elena-Laura Conțescu, Matilda Ciucă, Daniela Horhocea, 
Daniel Cristina, Alina Turcu, Violeta Ionescu

National Agricultural Research-Development Institute Fundulea

Keywords: ZmVTE4, tocopherol content, maize germplasm, genetic variability.

Abstract: Tocopherol content in maize kernels is influenced by genetic variation at the ZmVTE4 locus. This study investigated local maize populations using INDEL118 and INDEL7 markers to identify alleles associated with higher tocopherol levels. Favorable alleles (373 bp and 160 bp) were detected in several genotypes, while a distinct ~180 bp fragment observed for INDEL7 in the Portocaliu 1 population indicates a previously unreported polymorphism. Molecular screening identified Românesc de Studina and several modern inbred lines as promising sources for enhanced α-tocopherol content. These results highlight the effectiveness of marker-assisted selection for improving nutritional traits in maize germplasm.