UF Scientists Sequence Genome of the Supersweet Corn You've Nibbled for 20-Plus Years

SWEET CORN, a food favorite for many consumers, serves as a major crop for Florida. Earlier research by UF/IFAS scientists led to an even sweeter sweet corn dubbed “supersweet” because it has more sugar than other types of the staple crop.

- BRAD BUCK

Now, a University of Florida scientist is laying the genetic groundwork for better sweet corn varieties. For the first time, Marcio Resende, a UF/IFAS sweet corn breeder, led a team of researchers to sequence the genome of a type of supersweet corn.

Through his genome assembly work, Resende said scientists can use this information to contribute to novel breeding methods, as well as to learn more about the biology and history of sweet corn.

“This is expected to translate into better varieties for farmers and consumers,” says Resende, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences.