Size and Carbohydrate Content of Ears of Baby Corn in Relation to Endosperm Type (Su, su, se, sh2)

Abstract

Ear size and quality traits of various types of maize (Zea mays L.) (Su, su, se, sh2) used as baby corn were evaluated in field experiments. Ear size increased with time (0 to 6 days) after silking. Optimal stage for harvest was at silking for most cultivars and 6 days after silking for the prolific mini-corn cultivars. Sugar content of baby corn ears of all genotypes consisted primarily of glucose and fructose, with only low levels of sucrose. There was no significant increase in sugar content attributable to the su, se, or sh2 genes compared with Su, thus indicating there is no reason to use sweet corn types instead of the higher-yielding Su types. Total soluble sugar content of the genotypes ranged from ≈20 to 30 mg·g-1 fresh weight. Starch and water-soluble polysaccharide (WSP) concentrations in the Su cultivars, which were higher than those in the other endosperm types studied, decreased slightly from 0 to 6 days after silking. However, WSP concentrations were low and not likely to affect quality. Crispness, determined by organoleptic tests, decreased with time of harvest and differed among genotypes.