Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 34-44 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 34 Feature Review Open Access Review of Exploration and Evaluation of New Germplasm Resources in Fresh-Eating Maize Zhangquan Xu1, Xiaoting Cao2 Shengyue Ye 3, JieWang 4 1 Tonglu Jiuyueliangpin Family Farm Co., Ltd., Tonglu, 311519, Zhejiang, China 2 Hangzhou Jiuyueshenghuo Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.,Tonglu, 311519, Zhejiang, China 3 Tonglu County Agricultural Industrialization Development Service Center, Tonglu, 311500, Zhejiang, China 4 Tonglu County Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Tonglu, 311500, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 44416122@qq.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0004 Received: 20 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 30 Jan., 2025 Published: 11 Feb., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Xu et al., 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: Xu Z.Q., Cao X.T., Ye S.Y., and Wang J., 2025, Review of exploration and evaluation of new germplasm resources in fresh-eating maize, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(1): 34-44 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0004) Abstract As consumer demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich, and stress-resistant new varieties grows, the exploration and evaluation of diverse germplasm resources have become central to fresh corn improvement. This review summarizes advancements in the exploration and evaluation of new germplasm resources for fresh corn, discusses the application of traditional and modern technologies in resource development, analyzes achievements in the evaluation of traits such as morphology, nutritional quality, and stress resistance, and identifies current challenges and future research directions. The review highlights that traditional germplasm sources include landrace maize varieties and wild relatives, while modern genomic technologies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and resequencing, have significantly enhanced resource discovery efficiency. Furthermore, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, and integrated multi-omics approaches have accelerated the breeding of superior varieties. The development of high-sugar varieties and waxy corn demonstrates the remarkable achievements in germplasm exploration, with local germplasm playing a pivotal role in stress-resistance breeding globally. Systematic exploration and scientific evaluation of germplasm resources are crucial for improving the yield, quality, and adaptability of fresh corn. This not only drives the development of new varieties but also provides key solutions to address climate change. Keywords Fresh corn; New germplasm resources; Germplasm evaluation; Stress-resistance breeding; Genomic selection 1 Introduction Fresh-eating maize, commonly known as sweet corn, holds a significant place in global agriculture and the food industry due to its high nutritional value and consumer preference. It is a vital source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it a staple food in many regions. The versatility of maize allows it to be used in various forms, including fresh, canned, and frozen, catering to diverse culinary practices worldwide. Additionally, maize's role extends beyond human consumption; it is also a crucial feed crop for livestock and a raw material for the biofuel industry, further emphasizing its economic importance (Ortiz et al., 2010). The continuous improvement of maize varieties is essential to meet the evolving market demands and address challenges such as climate change, pest resistance, and nutritional deficiencies. Diverse germplasm resources are critical in this context as they provide a broad genetic base for breeding programs. Utilizing genetically diverse germplasm can introduce unique alleles that enhance traits such as yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality (Hallauer and Carena, 2013; Njeri et al., 2017; Mubarak et al., 2023). For instance, the adaptation of tropical maize germplasm to temperate environments has shown promising results in improving agronomic performance and expanding the genetic base of breeding programs (Hallauer and Carena, 2013). Similarly, the exploration of local maize accessions has identified resource-efficient germplasm with superior photosynthetic and yield-related traits, which are crucial for sustainable agriculture (Mubarak et al., 2023). This review will summarize the research progress in the exploration and evaluation of fresh maize germplasm resources, highlight the methodologies and outcomes of various studies aimed at enhancing maize genetic diversity and agronomic traits, and propose future research directions to further improve the utilization of
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