Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 149-166 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 152 'Henuo 615' was 85.8 days from seedling emergence to harvest, which was about 5.6 days earlier than the control 'Meiyu 8'; the growth period of 'Ditiannuo 336' was 85.4 days, 5.2 days earlier than the control 'Zhenuoyu 5'; and the growth period of 'Zhencaitiannuo 608' was slightly longer at 89.4 days, but only 0.8 days earlier than the control. It can be seen that most of these new varieties are medium-early maturing and can fully mature in the spring and summer planting seasons in Zhejiang. A moderate growth period is very important for fresh corn: on the one hand, it ensures that the ears are harvested in time at the milky stage, and on the other hand, it also provides the possibility of two-season cultivation a year (spring sowing in early April and autumn sowing in late July can complete a growth cycle). In terms of flowering characteristics, plants of all varieties tasseled and flowered about 50 to 60 days after sowing, with a relatively concentrated flowering period, sufficient pollen and good pollination synchronization. The test records show that the interval from tasseling to silking (filament exposure period) of different varieties is generally short, and pollination and fertilization can generally be completed in 2 to 3 days. The ear grain setting rate is high, and there is no serious bald tip and grain missing phenomenon. Among them, the "double ear rate" varies slightly among varieties: for example, about 4.7% of the plants of 'Henuo 615' can grow into double ears, and the double ear rate of 'Ditiannuo 336' is only 1.2% and the empty stalk rate is 0%, basically achieving one ear per plant and full ears per ear. The ear height is moderate (about 1/3 of the plant height), and the length of the filaments and the dispersion of pollen are conducive to fertilization. These characteristics ensure that fresh corn can fully set and increase yield at a suitable density. Most new varieties have medium-sized male spike branches, strong pollen vitality, and neat female spike filaments. It is rare to see missed flowering periods or poor pollination in the field. The new varieties of fresh corn introduced by Linhai City have a short or moderate growth cycle and can better adapt to the local climate and planting system; flowering synchronization and fruiting are good, laying a biological foundation for obtaining high-commodity fruits. 3 Evaluation of Agronomic Traits 3.1 Plant height, ear height, and plant structure stability Through the actual measurement of agronomic traits of various varieties, the new fresh corn varieties introduced this time have a short and strong overall plant type, a low ear position and good stability, which is conducive to dense planting and lodging resistance (Table 1). Table 1 Plant traits of the tested products (unit: cm, %) - Xuetian 7401 Jinyin 208 Zhetian 19 Putian 1 Qianjiangnuo 3 Zhenuoyu 18 Caitiannuo 168 Heitiannuo 168 Meiyu 25 Caitiannuo 617 Plant height 99 97 190 190 146 143 144 177 153 130 Empty stalk rate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lodging rate 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 In terms of plant height, most varieties have a plant height between 1.7 m and 2.2 m, which is equivalent to or slightly shorter than conventional fresh corn. For example, the average plant height of 'Xiantiannuo 88' is 185.6 cm, the average plant height of 'Ditiannuo 336' is 176.2 cm, the plant height of 'Zhencaitiannuo 608' is 217.0 cm, and the plant height of 'Henuo 615' is 211.5 cm. Compared with the height of ordinary feed corn, which is often more than 2.5 m, the shorter plant height of fresh corn varieties is conducive to the transfer of nutrients to the ears and also enhances the ability to resist lodging. The ear height is generally around 70 cm to 75 cm, for example, the ear height of 'Ditiannuo 336' is 69.0 cm, the ear height of 'Xiantiannuo 88' is 70.5 cm, and the ear height of 'Zhencaitiannuo 608' is 74.2 cm. A moderate ear position means that the center of gravity of the plant is low and it is not easy to lodging in windy and rainy weather. Most varieties have semi-compact or compact plant types, with upright leaves and good ventilation and light transmission. This is also reflected in the 20 super sweet corns introduced in Guangdong: these varieties have high plant uniformity, short and strong plant types, and low field
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