EFFECTS OF THE AGROECOLOGICAL FACTORS ON SWEET CORN QUALITY

Quality traits are essential for commercial sweet corn production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of environment on sweet corn quality traits potential. The trials with ten sugary hybrids were set up at two locations in 2006 and 2007. Significant effects of environment were obtained for kernel water, sucrose, glucose, fructose and total sugar content. Lowest environmental means for kernel water and sugars content were associated with stress conditions due to extreme drought and heat. Hybrids grown in suitable growing conditions and harvested at prime maturity had significantly higher kernel total sugar content.