Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 93-104 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 94 examine the broader implications of QPM development for food security and public health, with a focus on sustainable adoption across different agronomic settings. In particular, the review will consider the effectiveness of different breeding strategies in maximizing nutritional yield without compromising the agronomic viability of the maize crop, thus supporting global efforts to meet rising nutritional demands. 2 Study Objectives and Relevance 2.1 Defining specific goals for protein enhancement in maize The primary objective of breeding maize varieties with high protein content is to address the nutritional deficiencies prevalent in many developing regions. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) has been developed to contain higher levels of essential amino acids, particularly lysine and tryptophan, which are typically deficient in conventional maize varieties. For instance, QPM lines have been shown to possess nearly double the amount of lysine and tryptophan compared to non-QPM lines, significantly improving the protein quality of maize (Hossain et al., 2019; Amegbor et al., 2022). Additionally, the use of molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) has accelerated the development of QPM cultivars, ensuring that these enhanced nutritional traits are effectively incorporated into new maize varieties (Vikal and Chawla, 2014). Another specific goal is to ensure that the enhancement of protein content does not come at the expense of other agronomic traits such as yield. Studies have demonstrated that it is possible to select QPM lines with high protein and tryptophan levels without a yield penalty, making them viable for large-scale agricultural production (Amegbor et al., 2022). This balance is crucial for the adoption of QPM by farmers, as it ensures that the nutritional benefits do not compromise economic returns. 2.2 Addressing the role of protein-rich maize in combating malnutrition Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a significant health issue, particularly affecting pregnant women, the elderly, and children under the age of five. QPM has been identified as a sustainable solution to combat PEM due to its enhanced protein quality. The consumption of QPM has been linked to improved growth rates in children, with studies showing a 12% increase in weight and a 9% increase in height among infants and young children consuming QPM instead of conventional maize (Gunaratna et al., 2010). This demonstrates the potential of QPM to make a substantial impact on public health in regions where maize is a staple food. Furthermore, the integration of QPM into the diets of populations in developing countries can lead to broader socio-economic benefits. By improving the nutritional status of these communities, QPM can contribute to better health outcomes, increased productivity, and reduced healthcare costs. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals highlight the importance of nutrition in achieving progress in health, education, and poverty reduction, and QPM is a key component in these efforts (Hossain et al., 2019). 2.3 Examining global agricultural needs for nutrient-dense staple crops The global agricultural landscape is increasingly focused on the need for nutrient-dense staple crops to address widespread malnutrition. Maize, being one of the top three cereal crops globally, plays a critical role in food security and nutrition. Enhancing the nutritional profile of maize through biofortification is a strategic approach to meet the dietary needs of populations with limited access to diverse foods (Figure 1) (Prasanna et al., 2020; Palacios-Rojas et al., 2020). Biofortified maize varieties, such as those enriched with quality protein, provitamin A, and zinc, are particularly impactful in rural areas where dietary supplements and fortified foods are less accessible (Prasanna et al., 2020). Moreover, the development of nutrient-dense maize varieties aligns with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture. By improving the nutritional quality of staple crops, agricultural systems can contribute to better health outcomes without the need for significant changes in dietary habits or food systems. This approach is not only cost-effective but also sustainable, as it leverages existing agricultural practices and infrastructure (Welch, 2002). The success of QPM and other biofortified crops demonstrates the potential of plant breeding to address global nutritional challenges effectively.
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