A Growth Evaluation of Provit-A1 Maize (Zea mays L.) Variety as a Potential Source of Carotenoid Compounds

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major food crops cultivated in many
countries, including Indonesia. It is grown as an alternative carbohydrate
Revised : 20 February 2026
Accepted : 26 February 2026
Keywords
Carotenoids; Growth performance;
Phenotypic variability; Provit-A1; Zea
mays L.
source to rice and is also widely used in the livestock feed industry. As a
food crop, maize contains various nutrients, among which carotenoids
play an important role as antioxidants for human health. The objective of
this research was to identify the growth performance of the Provit-A1
maize variety, which is known for its high carotenoid content.
The research was conducted from July to October 2025 on agricultural
land in Jatikuwung Village, Gondangrejo District, Karanganyar Regency,
Central Java Province. A descriptive–exploratory method was employed
using a single-plant model without any specific treatments. The observed
data were grouped based on kernel color using the Royal Horticultural
Society (RHS) Colour Chart. The variables observed included number of
leaves, stem diameter, ear diameter, and number of rows per ear.
The results showed that the Provit-A1 maize population exhibited wide
variability in the morphological traits of stem diameter and ear diameter.
In contrast, the number of leaves and the number of rows per ear showed
narrow variability based on their phenotypic variability.