Maize varieties for baby corn yield and post-harvest quality under organic cropping

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate five corn varieties for baby corn yield and post-harvest quality under organic crop. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications to evaluate the yield components and post-harvest of the studied product in 5 x 2 x 4 factorial, five varieties (IPR 114, PC 0402, PC 0404, BR 106 and BRS Angela) and two conditioning ways in the refrigerator (with and without straw) and four storage periods (0, 4, 8 and 12 days). Yield components such as spikes number per plant, plant height, height first spike, spike length without straw and with straw, spike diameter with straw and without straw, spike with straw weight and without straw, baby corn yield with straw and without straw, commercial production of baby corn without straw, commercial yield of baby corn were evaluated. For its post-harvest of product were analyzed weight loss and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and H*) in 0, 4, 8 and 12 day storage periods. The results showed that the varieties were classified according to the commercial standards for both diameter and length. Thus, PC 0404 was the most suitable for obtaining baby corn. The PC 0402 showed the best results for color parameters L*, a*, b*, C*, H* and the lowest weight loss during storage periods.