Backcrossing Modulates the Metabolic Profiles of Anthocyanin- Pigmented "Vitamaize" Lines Derived from Elite Maize Lines

We evaluated metabolic differences between the Vitamaize lines (VMLs) derived from backcrossing the pigmented aleurone trait into the CIMMYT Maize Lines (CMLs) and their original CMLs. For a comprehensive chemical characterization, we applied direct infusion mass spectrometry (DIMS) analyses, carotenoid profiling, total anthocyanins content (TAC) determination, and biochemical evaluation of the QPM (quality protein maize) endosperm trait. DIMS data indicate higher hexoses and trigonelline content for most VMLs; the carotenoid profile revealed a decrease in β-cryptoxanthin to less than half of the original parent content for two VMLs but an augmentation for one VML. The pigmented aleurone VMLs did not inherit the complex QPM endosperm trait of the QPM CMLs. Except for anthocyanin accumulation, no other metabolites were consistently modified across all the backcross-generated maize lines with a pigmented aleurone trait. Thus, we suggest the use of genetic or molecular markers for future breeding programs.