Phenology, Growth and Quality of Sweat Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) as Influenced by Sowing Dates and Plant Spacing

In India, maize is one of the top four cereals occupying an area of 7.89 mha with a production of 15.09 mt and productivity of 1904 kg ha -1 . Andhra Pradesh is one of the major maize producing states with a production of 4.15 mt from 0.85 million ha averaging 4073 kg ha -1 (CMIE, 2010). Approximately 25% of the total corn produced is being used for human consumption either in fresh or processed form. Sweet corn is emerging as one of the important enterprises projecting diversified and value added uses of maize. Steam boiled green cobs of sweet corn has gained immense popularity among the urbanites as a favourite dish, resulting in premium price for growers. Diversification and value addition of sweet corn are currently contemplated in view of rapid growth in the food processing industry.