Timing and Pattern of Anthocyanin Accumulation during Grain Filling in Purple Waxy Corn (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) Suggest Optimal Harvest Dates

Abstract

-glucoside became detectable at 21 days after silking; they occurred in the second- and third-highest amounts, respectively, among anthocyanins in the purple-corn cultivars tested. The anthocyanin accumulation pattern was strongly associated with physicochemical properties and partly associated with amino acid content. Anthocyanin contents increased in a stepwise rather than linear fashion. This study showed that kernels undergo dramatic changes that affect the nutritional value of fresh corn.