Biochemical Signatures Shaping Tissue Culture Success in Maize Inbred Lines

Maize is a globally vital cereal crop and a key staple in food security and agricultural economies worldwide. It contributes significantly to human nutrition by providing essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that support overall health, energy metabolism, and disease prevention. This study presents an integrated analysis of biochemical parameters followed by tissue culture responses in ten diverse maize inbred lines. Comprehensive biochemical profiling revealed significant genetic variation in key nutritional components, including carbohydrates, proteins, starch, lipids, phosphorus, iron, zinc, phytic acid, and moisture content. These biochemical traits varied widely among genotypes, reflecting distinct nutritional profiles critical for crop improvement and biofortification. Following this, both immature and mature embryos from the same lines were cultured on hormone-enriched media to assess callus induction and plant regeneration potential. Immature embryos consistently demonstrated higher callogenesis and regeneration efficiencies, with rates ranging from 0 to 100%, strongly influenced by genotype. Similarly mature embryos showed higher callogenesis efficiency but a lower regeneration efficiency. Lines FB-1636, FRSM-242, and FRSM-1993 showed superior tissue culture performance correlating with their richer biochemical composition, particularly in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential minerals. Regeneration capacity was clearly genotype-dependent, underscoring the crucial role of biochemical makeup in driving in vitro morphogenesis. These findings highlight that selecting genotypes with optimal biochemical profiles can enhance tissue culture efficiency and support breeding strategies aimed at developing nutritionally enhanced, stress-resilient maize cultivars. This integrated approach provides valuable insights for optimizing tissue culture protocols and advancing sustainable maize improvement efforts, especially in Pakistan and similar agro-ecological zones.