Identification of Superior Fresh-Eating Maize Lines with Enhanced Quality and Stress Resistance, Case Study

This study identified several superior fresh-eating maize lines with enhanced quality and stress resistance. Lines such as L6 and L7 demonstrated high yield potential under optimal and low nitrogen conditions, while L8 and L9 excelled under combined heat and drought stress conditions. Additionally, hybrids such as L10/T7 and L9/T7 (Zn×normal), and L8/T6 and L11/T3 (Zn×quality protein maize) also exhibited high yield and desirable secondary traits. The study highlighted the importance of both additive and dominance gene effects in controlling these traits and proposed a robust strategy for developing nutritionally enhanced maize genotypes. The identification of these superior maize lines has significant implications for improving the commercial production of fresh-eating maize, particularly in enhancing drought, heat, and disease resistance under the context of climate change. Future research should focus on further testing additional maize lines and evaluating them across diverse environments to ensure their adaptability and stability.