Performance of sweet corn varieties under tropical conditions of Goa

Two year experiments were carried out during rabi and kharif seasons at ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Ela, to observe performance of sweet corn and select suitable variety for commercial production in Goa. Nine varieties were evaluated on lateritic soil in replicated randomized block design. Results were found significant for all characters among varieties and between varieties and seasons. All varieties exhibited considerable variation in their performance for most of parameters during rabi and kharif seasons. Better vegetative growth in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant and stem girth was noticed in all varieties during rabi season. Plant height was the maximum in Priya (211.41 cm), whereas, it was the minimum in Sumadhur (160.45 cm). Among varieties, Indam-1 (13.62) and Priya (13.57) produced significantly more number of leaves per plant. Maturity of cobs was advanced in all varieties during kharif season, while it was prolonged in rabi season. The variety Bandit-1 (72.25 days) was early in maturity, while, Sweet Pearl was late (84.25 days). Of all varieties, the highest values for yield components, cob (19.37 t/ha) and stalk yield (27.55 t/ha) except number of cobs per plant were observed in Golden Honey during both the seasons. Sweet Pearl (1.52) followed by Win Yellow (1.42) produced the highest number of cobs per plant. The performance of all varieties was better in rabi as compared to kharif season. Studies suggest Golden Honey to be most potential sweet corm variety for commercial cultivation for both the seasons, while Sweet Pearl for only rabi season.