This work has the objective of characterizing twenty corn landraces grown in the Campos Gerais region (Paraná State) in relation to its chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein, ether extract, dietary fiber and starch) and physical properties (weight of 1000 grains, real density, flotation index, granulometry and color). In addition, also the lab scale processing of the kernels from the varieties was carried out for producing starch; starch purity was evaluated by measuring its protein contamination. Amylose contents and viscoamylograph profile were also evaluated. The results showed that the evaluated landraces have differences in chemical composition as well as in pericarp/endosperm/germ proportions and consequently it should have different industrial applications and interest for plant breeding.
maize landraces; chemical composition; starch; physical properties; rapid viscoanalyzer
