Dynamic Variation and Correlation of Pericarp Tenderness and Component Contents of Super Sweet Corn(sh_(2))in Kernel Development

Data on the mechanism of how pericarp components in fresh sweet corn affect pericarp tenderness are scarce.This study explored variation and correlation of pericarp tenderness and components over time in three inbred lines of sweet corn that were selected for their differences in pericarp tenderness.The three lines presented a curvilinear increase in pericarp tenderness(puncture reading)from 12 to 24 d after pollination(DAP)across two environments,with the means at each time point always in the same order:S33205>T105>PE10.Pericarp tenderness difference at each same time point in two environments over time varied similarly in each of the three inbred lines:increasing first,then dropping after peak,and insignificant at the end.Of the main pericarp components,mean contents were in the order:hemicellulose>cellulose>lignin in both environments at each time point for the three inbred lines.As the pericarp developed,hemicellulose content increased gradually,lignin content varied along a single-peak curve,cellulose content fluctuated around 24%,and pectin and ash contents changed slightly and irregularly.The pericarp of PE10,with the most tender pericarp,accumulated hemicellulose faster than other two lines.Hemicellulose and lignin contents were significantly correlated with pericarp tenderness,and the main components affected pericarp tenderness.