Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 70-79 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 70 Meta Analysis Open Access Meta-Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Global Fresh-Eating Maize Germplasm Resources Jinhua Cheng, Wei Wang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: wei.wang@jicat.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0007 Received: 21 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 06 Mar., 2025 Published: 20 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Cheng and 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: Cheng J.H., and Wang W., 2025, Meta-analysis of genetic diversity in global fresh-eating maize germplasm resources, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(2): 70-79 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0007) Abstract As an important food and cash crop in the world, the genetic diversity of fresh corn germplasm resources is of great significance for variety improvement and genetic improvement. This study systematically sorted out the research data of fresh corn germplasm resources around the world through meta-analysis methods, covering multi-level information such as morphological characteristics, molecular markers and whole genome data. The study comprehensively evaluated the genetic diversity characteristics of germplasm resources in different geographical regions, and explored the impact of cultivation history, ecological environment, artificial selection and gene flow on genetic diversity. The study compared the results of different genetic diversity analysis methods (such as phenotypic data analysis, molecular marker analysis and whole genome high-throughput analysis), and analyzed the applicability, advantages and limitations of each method. The results show that fresh corn germplasm resources have high genetic diversity worldwide, but the diversity is declining due to factors such as habitat loss, genetic drift and single breeding. In terms of protection and utilization, this study proposed methods for the discovery and evaluation of excellent germplasm resources, suggested strengthening the sharing and cooperation of germplasm resources worldwide, and explored new paths for interdisciplinary research and data integration. The research results not only provide theoretical support for the protection of fresh corn germplasm resources, but also provide an important basis for future breeding work and genetic improvement strategies. Keywords Sweet corn; Germplasm resources; Genetic diversity; Meta-analysis; Breeding improvement 1 Introduction When it comes to corn, the first thing that comes to mind is common corn, but there is actually a more popular variety - fresh corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata). This kind of corn tastes particularly sweet and the grains are very tender. It has now become a regular on many people's tables. Interestingly, although it looks similar to ordinary corn, it is very different inside. According to research (Revilla et al., 2021), there are some special recessive genes in its endosperm that change the way starch is synthesized. As a result, there is a lot of sugar and less starch. However, it should be noted that this kind of corn is not a recent product. It was actually first cultivated in the United States. Today, this kind of corn is grown all over the world, and both farmers' income and our daily diet have changed a lot because of it. When it comes to the improvement of fresh corn varieties, it is actually inseparable from the original germplasm resources. You may not know that these resources are like a huge gene bank, which contains various genetic characteristics. Breeding experts often have to look through these resources in order to find good genes to increase yield, disease resistance or improve nutrition (Dang et al., 2023). Take the particularly sweet corn on the market now, for example, their birth is not accidental. The researchers combined different kernel mutation genes together, and the result was not only higher sugar content, but also increased anthocyanins, tryptophan and other good things. Of course, not all attempts are successful, but it is these rich germplasm resources that make it possible to cultivate healthier and more distinctive fresh corn. Although fresh corn is very popular, it lags far behind ordinary corn when it comes to variety improvement. This is mainly because its gene pool is relatively small and lacks a mature hybrid advantage system (Hu et al., 2021). However, recent studies have found that we must first understand the genetic situation of existing varieties before
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