Growth performance, agronomic evaluation, and selection of the F2 (UJ3U × Bimmo) population for sweet purple baby corn production

¹ Agronomy Study Program, Department of Crop Science, Sriwijaya University, Indralaya, South Sumatra, Indonesia
² Agroecotechnology Study Program, Department of Crop Science, Sriwijaya University, Indralaya, South Sumatra, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Purple corn is a valuable crop rich in anthocyanins and has considerable potential as a nutrient-dense functional food. This study aimed to evaluate and select corn genotypes capable of producing high-yielding (ear yield) and high-quality (purple pigmentation) sweet purple baby corn. An F₂ population derived from a cross between UJ3UXBMF and the Bimmo variety was evaluated using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in Ogan Ilir, Indonesia. Agronomic traits were analyzed using RStudio to assess phenological development, yield components, and quality attributes, including Brix values. Comparative analysis of the GB and UJ3UGB genotypes revealed distinct agronomic and morphological characteristics. The GB genotype exhibited greater vegetative vigor and yield potential, whereas UJ3UGB showed earlier maturity and superior quality traits. Correlation and principal component analyses identified days to anthesis, days to silking, dehusked sweet purple baby corn fresh weight, and dehusked ear diameter as the main contributors to phenotypic variation, providing valuable selection criteria for breeding programs. Four plants (5, 15, 20, and 29) exhibited purple pigmentation at the baby corn stage. Among them, plants 15 and 20 recorded the highest Brix values, reaching 10.00%, making them promising candidates for further breeding and cultivar development.