Genomics‐assisted pyramiding of <scp> <i>sugary1</i> </scp> and <scp> <i>shrunken2</i> </scp> genes for enhancement of kernel sucrose in sweetcorn hybrids

BACKGROUND: Sweetcorn, owing to its kernel sweetness, has emerged as a crop of choice for its diverse usage worldwide. A large number of sweetcorn cultivars with a recessive shrunken2 (sh2) or sugary1 (su1) genes are available globally. However, a limited number of double-recessive (su1su1sh2sh2) sweetcorn hybrids with enhanced kernel sweetness are available. RESULTS: ), amounting to 72% and 40% enhancement, respectively. The dehusked cob yield of new sweetcorn hybrids were at par with their original versions. Improved sweetcorn hybrids possessed similar agronomic and DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) characters comparable to the original versions. CONCLUSION: These su1su1sh2sh2 hybrids offer significant commercial value for fresh consumption, catering and processing markets to meet evolving consumer preferences for sweeter, high-quality sweetcorn, as their higher sugar levels enhance taste and consumer appeal, thereby increasing market demand and income opportunities for farmers. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.