Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 10-19 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 10 Case Study Open Access Case Study on Identification of Superior Fresh-Eating Maize Lines with Enhanced Quality and Stress Resistance HaiboWang Beijing Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Chaoyang, 100029, Beijing, China Corresponding author: wanghaibocorn@163.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0002 Received: 02 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 10 Jan., 2025 Published: 20 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang H.B., 2025, Case study on identification of superior fresh-eating maize lines with enhanced quality and stress resistance, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(1): 10-19 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0002) Abstract This study identified several superior fresh-eating maize lines with enhanced quality and stress resistance. Lines such as L6 and L7 demonstrated high yield potential under optimal and low nitrogen conditions, while L8 and L9 excelled under combined heat and drought stress conditions. Additionally, hybrids such as L10/T7 and L9/T7 (Zn×normal), and L8/T6 and L11/T3 (Zn×quality protein maize) also exhibited high yield and desirable secondary traits. The study highlighted the importance of both additive and dominance gene effects in controlling these traits and proposed a robust strategy for developing nutritionally enhanced maize genotypes. The identification of these superior maize lines has significant implications for improving the commercial production of fresh-eating maize, particularly in enhancing drought, heat, and disease resistance under the context of climate change. Future research should focus on further testing additional maize lines and evaluating them across diverse environments to ensure their adaptability and stability. Keywords Fresh-eating maize; Stress resistance; Hybrid breeding; Nutritional enhancement; Climate adaptability 1 Introduction Fresh-eating maize, also known as sweet corn, has a rich history and has become a staple in many diets around the world due to its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Originating in the United States, sweet corn has been introduced globally and is now widely consumed either fresh or processed (Revilla et al., 2021). The demand for fresh-eating maize is increasing, particularly in regions like Heilongjiang province in China, where the annual output has reached 3.35 billion ears (Yang et al., 2021). This growing popularity is driven by consumer preferences for its sweetness, tender texture, and health benefits (Yang et al., 2021; Haidash et al., 2023). The market demand for high-quality fresh-eating maize continues to rise, necessitating improvements in both yield and quality to meet consumer expectations (Taş and Mutlu, 2021; Yang et al., 2021). The quality traits of fresh-eating maize, such as sweetness, texture, and tenderness, are critical for consumer satisfaction. These traits are influenced by the genetic makeup of the maize, including specific endosperm mutations that increase sugar content and reduce starch levels (Azanza et al., 2004; Hu et al., 2023). For instance, the shrunken2-reference allele (sh2) is known to accumulate more sugar, enhancing the sweetness of the maize (Hu et al., 2023). Additionally, stress resistance, including tolerance to drought, pests, and salinity, is essential for maintaining yield and quality under adverse environmental conditions (Taş and Mutlu, 2021; Ouhaddou et al., 2023). Environmental stresses can significantly impact the yield and quality of sweet corn, as seen in studies where higher temperatures and lower humidity reduced fresh cob yield and other quality parameters (Taş and Mutlu, 2021). Therefore, developing maize lines that combine superior quality traits with robust stress resistance is crucial for sustainable production (Ouhaddou et al., 2023; Ye et al., 2023). This study identifies and develops superior fresh-eating maize lines with enhanced quality and stress resistance. It involves screening various maize varieties to determine those with the highest starch and sugar content, as well as those that perform well under different environmental stresses. The study aims to recommend specific maize varieties and cultivation practices, such as optimal potassium fertilization, to improve grain quality and yield in semi-arid and other challenging regions. By focusing on both genetic and agronomic factors, the study provides comprehensive solutions for producing high-quality, stress-resistant fresh-eating maize.
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