Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 149-166 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 149 Research Insight Open Access Study on the Biological Performance and Agronomic Trait Evaluation of Newly Introduced Fresh-Eating Maize Varieties in Linhai City Weijie Zhang Economic Development Service Center, Baishuiyang Town, Linhai City, Linhai, 317031, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 2726988576@qq.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0015 Received: 25 Apr., 2025 Accepted: 10 Jun, 2025 Published: 28 Jun, 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhang, 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: Zhang W.J., 2025, Study on the biological performance and agronomic trait evaluation of newly introduced fresh-eating maize varieties in Linhai City, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(3): 149-166 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0015) Abstract As a special corn with the characteristics of both fruits and vegetables, the planting area of fresh corn in my country has expanded rapidly, and the market demand is strong. This study systematically evaluated several new varieties of fresh corn introduced in Linhai City, Zhejiang Province, and studied them from the aspects of biological traits, growth performance, agronomic traits, quality characteristics and regional adaptability. Regional trials and case studies showed that these new varieties showed good adaptability in Linhai City. Among them, varieties such as 'Caitiannuo 168' obtained a fresh ear yield of 900-1 200 kg per mu in Baishuiyang Town, which was significantly higher than the control variety; the new colorful sweet and glutinous varieties introduced in the coastal slightly saline-alkali land also achieved a fresh ear yield of more than 1 300 kg/mu, showing the advantage of salt tolerance. Based on the comprehensive trait evaluation and regional performance, excellent varieties such as 'Jinyin 208', 'Zhetian 19', 'Meiyu 25' and 'Caitiannuo 168' were selected for promotion in Linhai. This study also summarized the comprehensive performance of each variety, pointed out the current problems such as insufficient disease resistance, and put forward optimization suggestions for future introduction screening and efficient cultivation management, in order to provide a scientific basis for the renewal of fresh corn varieties and industrial development in Zhejiang coastal areas. Keywords Fresh corn; Variety introduction; Biological characteristics; Agronomic traits; Regional adaptability 1 Introduction Fresh corn refers to the type of corn that is harvested directly from fresh ears at the milky stage for consumption, including sweet corn and glutinous corn. Due to recessive mutations in the endosperm starch synthesis pathway, sugar accumulates in sweet corn kernels and the starch content decreases, making them sweet, crisp and tender; glutinous corn has a high content of amylopectin, is soft and sticky after cooking, has a thin skin and no residue, and is suitable for steaming and cooking (Li et al., 2022b). In recent years, fresh corn has been favored by consumers for its rich nutrition (rich in multiple vitamins, anthocyanins and dietary fiber) and its compliance with the concept of healthy eating, and its demand has been growing steadily worldwide. At present, the world's sweet corn planting area is about 1.34 million hectares, and the United States is the largest producer and consumer. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of fresh corn. In 2020, the national fresh corn planting area has exceeded 20 million mu, with an annual consumption of about 57 billion ears. The planting areas cover 24 provinces in Northeast China, North China, Southwest China, and East China, and the industry is developing rapidly. With the improvement of the living standards of urban residents, fresh corn has moved from first-tier cities to urban and rural markets across the country, and the demand has surged, becoming an emerging industry after feed corn and processed corn (Dang et al., 2023). Compared with ordinary corn, fresh corn has the advantages of high price and good benefits. The yield of fresh ears per mu can reach 4 500-5 000 ears, the wholesale price is 1.2-1.5 yuan/ear, and the output value per mu is about 3 000-4 000 yuan, which is far higher than ordinary corn. Therefore, vigorously developing fresh corn is of great significance to promoting farmers' income and meeting the diversified needs of the market. Zhejiang Province is one of the important planting areas of fresh corn. Linhai City is located on the eastern coast of Zhejiang Province. It has a subtropical monsoon climate, sufficient light and heat, and abundant rainfall, and has good natural conditions for the development of fresh corn production. However, the local fresh corn industry
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