54 - Sweet corn: Zea mays L.

Abstract

Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most popular vegetables in the USA and its popularity is increasing in Asia and Europe. In the USA, the farm value of sweet corn for processing ranks second only to tomatoes. Approximately 40% of the corn for processing is frozen and the remainder is canned. Among vegetables for fresh consumption, sweet corn ranks sixth in value in the USA. The USA ranks number one in sweet corn production followed by Japan, Canada, France, and Taiwan. Sweet corn is also grown in South America and Australia. Sweet corn is neither a race nor a subspecies of the Z. mays L. species. It is differentiated from other types of corn by the presence of a gene or genes that affect starch synthesis in the endosperm and its use as a vegetable. At present, at least seven other genes that affect endosperm carbohydrate synthesis are being used either singly or in combination in sweet corn varieties. Sweet corn is defined by its use as a vegetable and the presence of one or more simply inherited genes that alter the carbohydrate composition of the endosperm. This chapter provides an overview of cytology, genetics, germplasm resources, and reproductive biology of sweet corn. The chapter focuses on the breeding objectives and breeding methods of sweet corn. It also discusses the application of biotechnology in the sweet corn breeding along with the future prospects in the sweet corn industry.