Let's see or rather let's continue talking about the biological characteristics of the types of corn, for example; the Opaque-2 and quality protein corn (mpc), this type of corn has a recessive mutant gene o2 that contains about twice as much of two essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, in its endosperm. This significantly improves the protein quality of corn, which is normally one of the cereals with the lowest protein content. In MPCs, protein quality is affected, not protein quantity.
▶ The typical opaque-2 grain has a very soft endosperm with a chalky, opaque appearance. It has a gene that causes some undesirable effects such as susceptibility to ear rot, stored grain insects and lower yields.
▶ Credits: amazon – [Image of Public Domain]
Sweet corn, these types of corn are grown primarily to consume the still green cobs, either boiled or roasted. At the time of harvest, the kernels have about 70% moisture and have not yet begun the hardening process. The kernels have a high sugar content and are sweet tasting. The conversion of sugar to starch is blocked by recessive genes, e.g., sugary, wrinkled and brittle.
Common corn for green cobs, common hard and waxy cobs are grown for their green cobs in many tropical environments because of the problems with sweet-type cobs, although no major attention has been given to the development of hard corn genotypes for boiled or roasted consumption. There is considerable variability in pericarp thickness and endosperm starch texture that can be exploited to develop green ear corn types as a food and energy source.
Another type of corn that is gaining in popularity is baby corn. Prior to pollination, the young cobs are harvested and used as a vegetable, consumed fresh or canned. Tropical environments are particularly favorable for growing this type of corn and it can be grown year-round for fresh consumption. In Thailand, good results have been obtained with its production. Some tropical maize breeds found in the northeastern Himalayas have a higher percentage of sugar in the vegetative parts. These types have good potential as livestock feed and possibly for gasohol production.
NOTE: Reference material.