Evaluasi Efek Metaxenia Terhadap Sifat Pulut Pada Jagung

Abstract

Waxy corn (Zea mays ceratina) is a type of maize characterized by a high amylopectin content, resulting in a sticky texture and distinctive kernel color. The waxy trait in maize can be influenced by the metaxenia effect, which refers to the influence of pollen on the endosperm characteristics of hybrid seeds. This study aimed to examine the effect of metaxenia on the waxy trait in maize through various crossing combinations between waxy corn, sweet corn, and dent corn, as well as to observe the relationship between amylose and amylopectin composition and kernel physical characteristics. The research method involved crossing several maize parents with different genotypes, particularly regarding the presence of the waxy gene, followed by observation of kernel physical traits after drying. The results showed that the waxy trait could emerge due to the metaxenia effect, especially in crosses between waxy corn and sweet corn carrying the waxy gene. The composition of amylose and amylopectin was reflected in kernel color, where kernels with high amylose content appeared translucent, while those dominated by amylopectin exhibited a dull (opaque) appearance. Crosses between waxy corn and dent corn or sweet corn lacking the waxy gene resulted in dent-type kernels, whereas crosses between waxy corn and sweet corn carrying the waxy gene produced sweet waxy corn. The metaxenia effect plays an important role in the expression of the waxy trait and can be utilized in the development of hybrid sweet waxy corn.