Resumen

GUTIERREZ-ALARCON, Ismael et al. Polyphenol content in grains of maize landraces inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2026, vol.13, n.1, e4760.  Epub 07-Mayo-2026. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a13n1.4760.

Native Mexican maize contain a wide range of genetic diversity and valuable phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the predominant anthocyanin, and together with flavonoids such as catechin, it contributes to grain pericarp pigmentation, enhances plant protection against oxidative stress, and provides antioxidant and nutraceutical benefits relevant to human health. Recent studies have proposed that symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can stimulate the biosynthesis of antioxidant metabolites through modifications in plant molecular signaling pathways. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of AMF inoculation on the content of polyphenols (C3G and catechin) in native maize grains (Yellow, Red and Black) under field conditions. A two-factor experimental design was established, with treatment factors “variety” and “mycorrhizal inoculum”.The percentage of mycorrhizal colonization was measured at V7 vegetative stage and VT transition stage. Concentrations of C3G and catechin in grains were quantified through methanolic extractions and spectrophotometric analysis at 535 nm and 450 nm, respectively. Inoculated treatments showed higher rates of mycorrhizal colonization (Yellow: 87.95%, Black: 73.82%, Red: 72.02%). Higher concentrations of C3G were observed in Black (51.26 mg kg⁻¹) and Yellow maize (12.68 mg kg⁻¹), while a 9.65% increase in catechin was detected exclusively in inoculated Black maize. The results obtained show that AMF inoculation can be a useful tool for increasing the nutraceutical compounds contents, such as polyphenols, in grains of native maize varieties.

Palabras llave : Rainfed agriculture; antioxidants; Cyanidin-3-glucoside; mycorrhization; Zea mays.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )