Jinhua Cheng , Wei Wang

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 2   
Received: 21 Jan., 2025    Accepted: 06 Mar., 2025    Published: 20 Mar., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

As an important food and cash crop in the world, the genetic diversity of fresh corn germplasm resources is of great significance for variety improvement and genetic improvement. This study systematically sorted out the research data of fresh corn germplasm resources around the world through meta-analysis methods, covering multi-level information such as morphological characteristics, molecular markers and whole genome data. The study comprehensively evaluated the genetic diversity characteristics of germplasm resources in different geographical regions, and explored the impact of cultivation history, ecological environment, artificial selection and gene flow on genetic diversity. The study compared the results of different genetic diversity analysis methods (such as phenotypic data analysis, molecular marker analysis and whole genome high-throughput analysis), and analyzed the applicability, advantages and limitations of each method. The results show that fresh corn germplasm resources have high genetic diversity worldwide, but the diversity is declining due to factors such as habitat loss, genetic drift and single breeding. In terms of protection and utilization, this study proposed methods for the discovery and evaluation of excellent germplasm resources, suggested strengthening the sharing and cooperation of germplasm resources worldwide, and explored new paths for interdisciplinary research and data integration. The research results not only provide theoretical support for the protection of fresh corn germplasm resources, but also provide an important basis for future breeding work and genetic improvement strategies.

Sweet corn; Germplasm resources; Genetic diversity; Meta-analysis; Breeding improvement