Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Kalva Padma Sree, Sujata Sanjay Bilawar, Suman Thamburaj, Rajendran Palanivel and Dr. Suresh Kumar Kalakandan

Abstract:
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was applied for the comparison of GM maize with non-GM maize. The grains were also analysed for changes in the nutrient composition. From the results of FTIR analyses, GM maize was distinguished from non-GM varieties of maize based on the absorption wavelength or wave number of a particular nutrient group. To perform the study, first, we identified the main wave numbers of the FTIR spectrum. A thorough investigation was conducted to compare them individually on the fingerprint region of a specific nutrient group. It was observed that there were minor differences in the grain samples when considering the wide genetic variety of the maize under examination. The highest protein content of 12.92% was observed in GM MON 810, followed by WS3 with 10.52%. The area under the FTIR spectrum was marked in the following order GM-MON 810> WS3>WS2>WS5>WS4>WS1. It was concluded that the WS3 sample of maize was found to have similar functional groups and a larger area under the spectrum as that of GM MON 810 than the other samples. This quick and non-destructive technique can thus be used to spot suspect samples, which can be further analyzed. Hence there is a necessity to investigate the genetic modifications in the maize grains sown in India.