Evaluation of some Sweet Corn Hybrids for Agronomic Traits and Technological Parameters under different Planting Dates

Sweet corn is planted for using as fresh and processing at local market. Two field experiments were investigated at Agricultural Research Center (ARC) Station during the two seasons (2016 and 2017). In the first experiment interested on evaluation the total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar (TS) content in 17 sweet corn hybrids. In the second experiment, the highest three crosses value of (TSS and total sugars) were selected and in the second season were grown under three planting dates (D1: March 21^st, D2: May, 23^rd and D3: Aug., 22^nd) to evaluate the effect of the planting date on sweet corn growth, yield and its quality parameters in fresh and processed product. Quality parameters for the first season (TSS and TS content) showed significant differences among 17 hybrids. The hybrids named Gz3B×Gz15, Gz3B×Gz20 and Gz20×Gz10 had the highest values of TSS and TS (16.06, 17.19 and 17.43%) and (5.46, 5.76 and 6.84%), respectively. In the second experiment, the grain yield, ear length and diameter, showed the highest values recorded at Aug 22^nd planting date. The highest values of TSS and TS were observed at Aug 22^nd after 20 days from pollination for the three selected sweet corn hybrids, which a decrease at the 3^rd harvest date after 26 days from pollination. A reduction in lightness values was observed as the harvest date increased. Total carotenoids content increased by increasing the harvest date and the highest content found at the third planting date (Aug 22^nd) for Gz3B×Gz20 and Gz20×Gz10 hybrids. Cooking of the Gz3B×Gz20 and Gz20×Gz10 hybrids showed higher sensory characteristics than corresponding Gz3B×Gz15 hybrid. No significant differences between two hybrids (Gz3B×Gz20 and Gz20×Gz10) in overall acceptability during storage for 9 months at -18ºC±2. The highest decrease in total sugars content during storage was found in the Gz3b×Gz15 hybrid.