Impact of Elevated Atmospheric Co2 Concentration on Nutrient Quality of Different Maize Genotypes

Maize crop grown under elevated CO2 treatments in Open Top Chambers (OTCs) comprising ambient and elevated CO2 treatment of 550 ppm was carried out to determine phytochemical parameters. Effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on nutrient quality of three different maize genotypes i.e., DHM 117, Harsha and Varun was analysed. Protein content (%) of Varun variety found to contain significantly higher protein content compared to Harsha variety at elevated CO2 level. The 100 seed weight of DHM 117 genotype was found to be significantly higher compared to Varun at ambient levels and 550 ppm eCO2. Total mineral content (g/100g) of DHM 117, Harsha and Varun genotypes grown at 550ppm was significantly higher compared to 380 ppm eCO2. Zinc content (mg/100g) of DHM 117 recorded significant increase in DHM 117 genotype grown in chamber control compared to enriched 550ppm CO2. The effect of elevated CO2 on iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and crude fibre found to be non significant among the three maize genotypes.