Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 34-44 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 35 germplasm resources in breeding programs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research on fresh maize germplasm and offer insights and references for future development strategies. 2 Current Status of Fresh Corn Germplasm Resources 2.1 Definition and characteristics of fresh corn Fresh corn, also known as sweet corn, is primarily characterized by its sweetness, tenderness, and flavor. These attributes are crucial for consumer preference and marketability. Sweetness in corn is largely determined by the sugar content, which is influenced by specific genetic markers such as the shrunken2 (sh2) gene that affects starch metabolism in the maize endosperm (Ruanjaichon et al., 2021). Tenderness and flavor are also significant traits, with sensory evaluations often focusing on these aspects to determine the overall eating quality of fresh corn (Dermail et al., 2021). The combination of these characteristics makes fresh corn a desirable crop for both direct consumption and various culinary applications. 2.2 Classification of fresh corn types Fresh corn can be classified into several types based on its genetic and phenotypic traits. The primary types include sweet corn and waxy corn. Sweet corn is known for its high sugar content and is often consumed fresh, while waxy corn is characterized by its sticky texture due to the presence of amylopectin starch. Within these categories, further classifications can be made based on specific traits. For instance, waxy corn can be divided into different germplasm groups, each with unique breeding potentials such as long ear and big seed varieties, or those with high starch content for improved edible quality (Fang, 2005). Additionally, hybrid varieties like sweet-waxy corn combine the characteristics of both types, exhibiting rich genetic diversity in appearance (Figure 1). This diversity offers potential for further varietal optimization while meeting the diverse needs of consumers, growers, and seed producers (Dermail et al., 2021). Figure 1 Ear appearances of 24 sweet-waxy corn hybrids excluding reciprocals at physiological maturity stage (Adopted from Dermail et al., 2021)
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