Introduction, Identification and Screening of Fruit Type Super-sweet Corn Varieties

Objective The study was performed to select new super-sweet corn resources of fruit type that suitable for planting under sub-tropical conditions in Guangdong.

Method Sixty-six new super-sweet corn varieties of fruit type, introduced from domestic and overseas, were evaluated for 3 years(5 seasons). Twenty high-quality varieties of which were selected for comparison test, and the adaptability, resistance, plant characters, ear characters, yield and quality characters were identified and analyzed.

Result Results of field observation and indoor test showed that the 20 varieties were early-maturing and short stem type, characterized by short growth period, good plant uniformity, shorter stem and lower ear position. The shape was even in the ear head and base, and the size of grains was small to medium. With thin seed coat, crisp taste, high sugar content and low water content, slow sugar degradation, long shelf life, the fresh ear had the same sweetness when it was raw or cooked.

Conclusion The different indexes showed that ten varieties('GT-11', 'Cu itian', 'Shengtian1365', 'Shengtian5590', 'BMB380', 'Jingbaitian456', 'Shengtianbaizhu', 'Gaobo', 'Wanda Bingtang', 'Baizhenzhu 627') had higher yield than that of the CK significantly, could be used as the original materials of inbred lines for breeding with good comprehensive traits. In addition, five varieties including 'Shengtian5788', 'Shengtian169', 'Kupula' and 'Baimawangzi', 'Shuang Xi', with less yield, should be synthesized hybrids with several and separated good strain for utilization. The other varieties that suitable for planting in Guangdong with the least yield but highest quality, including 'Zhenzhu', 'Baixuegongzhu', 'Taiwan Xianlv' and 'Yuebaitian 2', should be further improved and utilized through traditional breeding and modern biotechnology.