Growth Evaluation of Provit-A1 Maize (Zea mays L.) Variety as a Potential Source of Carotenoid Compounds
Keywords:
Carotenoids, Growth performance, Phenotypic variability, Provit-A1, Zea mays L.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 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
