Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 70-79 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 77 8 Concluding Remarks When studying the genetic diversity of fresh corn, molecular markers such as SSR and RAPD are most commonly used. Interestingly, these tests show that the polymorphism of fresh corn is quite high, averaging over 80%. However, a closer look at the data reveals that these variations mainly come from within a single variety, and there is little difference between different varieties - this shows that their genetic basis is indeed relatively narrow. Through cluster analysis, different inbred lines can be clearly divided into several groups, and it seems that the background is quite diverse. Speaking of key genes, the two genes su1 and sh2 that control sweetness are particularly important, and they contribute greatly to the genetic diversity of fresh corn. Although the overall genetic basis is not broad, the diversity patterns revealed by these markers are still quite interesting. The results of the study on the genetic diversity of fresh corn are quite interesting and can provide inspiration for breeding and conservation work. You see, although the differences between varieties are not large, the genetic variation within a single variety is very rich - this means that breeders actually have a lot of good cards to play. To cultivate new varieties with high yield, high quality and disease resistance, these genetic resources hidden within the varieties are particularly valuable. But then again, how to protect these resources is also a technical job. Methods such as in situ protection and ex situ protection can be considered, and establishing a core germplasm bank is also a good idea. After all, only by maintaining these genetic diversities can the breeding work of fresh corn continue. Although the genetic basis between varieties is still relatively narrow, if we make good use of existing resources, the future breeding prospects are still worth looking forward to. In the future, we will have to use some new tricks to study the genetic diversity of fresh corn. Now genomic tools are becoming more and more advanced. High-throughput sequencing technologies such as GBS can show the genetic structure of germplasm resources more clearly. However, genetic data alone is not enough. The performance observed in the field and genetic information must be analyzed together to find the key gene markers that determine excellent traits. This is easier said than done. This requires the cooperation of researchers, breeders, and resource protection experts. Although each of them focuses on different points, only when everyone cooperates well can the genetic resources of fresh corn be truly protected and utilized. Acknowledgments Members thank the laboratory team for their support and cooperation. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Al-Naggar A., Shafik M., and Musa R., 2020, Genetic diversity based on morphological traits of 19 maize genotypes using principal component analysis and GT biplot, Annual Research and Review in Biology, 35(2): 68-85. https://doi.org/10.9734/arrb/2020/v35i230191 Bedoya C., Dreisigacker S., Hearne S., Franco J., Mir C., Prasanna B., Taba S., Charcosset A., and Warburton M., 2017, Genetic diversity and population structure of native maize populations in Latin America and the Caribbean, PLoS ONE, 12(4): e0173488. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173488 Beissinger T., Wang L., Crosby K., Durvasula A., Hufford M., and Ross-Ibarra J., 2015, Recent demography drives changes in linked selection across the maize genome, Nature Plants, 2: 16084. https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2016.84 Chhabra R., Muthusamy V., Baveja A., Katral A., Mehta B., Zunjare R., and Hossain F., 2022, Allelic variation in shrunken2 gene affecting kernel sweetness in exotic- and indigenous-maize inbreds, PLoS ONE, 7(9): e0274732. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274732 Chiu M., Nukazawa K., Resh V., and Watanabe K., 2022, Environmental effects, gene flow, and genetic drift: Unequal influences on genetic structure across landscapes, Journal of Biogeography, 50(2): 352-364. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14537 Choquette N., Holland J., Weldekidan T., Drouault J., De León N., Flint-Garcia S., Lauter N., Murray S., Xu W., and Wisser R., 2023, Environment-specific selection alters flowering-time plasticity and results in pervasive pleiotropic responses in maize, The New Phytologist, 238(2): 737-749. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18769
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