Screening and Evaluation of the Ecological Adaptability During Growth Period of Fresh-Edible Sweet-Waxy Maize Varieties in Plateau Valley Areas

Mima Ciren

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-3403.2026.01.003

Abstract：To screen high-quality fresh-edible maize varieties suitable for agricultural areas of plateau valleys in southern Xizang,a field comparison experiment was conducted in Lhoka,Xizang(3560m)in 2024,involving 19 tested varieties(including sweet maize and waxy maize).By accurately observing key phenological stages,calculat-ing the full growth period and silking-to-harvest interval combined with cluster analysis and variance statistical methods,the ecological variety adaptability was comprehensively evaluated.The results showed significant differ-ences in the full growth period among the tested varieties,ranging from 123 to 146 days,with a range of 23 days.Systematic cluster analysis categorized the tested varieties into three ecological groups:early-maturing(≤128 days),medium-maturing(132 to 139 days)and late-maturing (≥140 days).Silking-to-harvest interval duration ranged from 44 to 58 days,with 84.2％of the varieties falling within the ideal window of 47 to 55 days for premium quality formation.Comprehensive evaluation demonstrated that early-maturing groups such as"Jinyinzao No.1"(full growth period of 127 days,harvest date at Aug,31th),"Jingcai Tezao 718"(full growth period of 123 days)and"Baitiannuo 79"(full growth period of 128 days)exhibited highly synchronized growth process with the local frost-free period,along with excellent agronomic adaptability,making them recommended as predominant varieties for lo-cal promotion.In contrast,late-maturing groups such as"Jinjinglong No.2"(full growth period of 146 days)were poorly recommended due to their excessively long growth period,leading to high risk of exposure to low tempera-ture and early frost.This study had established a phenology-based evaluation system for the adaptability of fresh-edi-ble maize in plateau areas,providing scientific basis and technical support for variety introduction and promotion in similar ecological zones.