The 2009 ASHS Annual Conference

Four sweet corn varieties were grown in a randomized complete block design with four replications during the summers of 2007 and 2008, to assess adaptation to growth in South Central Alabama.  Seeds of Obsession (bi-color SH2), Passion (yellow SH2), Devotion (white SH2), A&C 844BC (bi-color SH2) in 2007 only, and Sweet Talk (yellow SH2) in 2008 only were sown in April of both years in 6-row plots 6 m x 1.8 m.  Fertilizer was applied based on soil test and plants were irrigated using either a drip or overhead system.  Plants were harvested at about 79 days after planting both years and yield and sensory evaluations (2008 only) were done.  The number of marketable first and second ears in 2007 was in the order, Obsession>Passion>Devotion> A#C 844BC and Sweet Talk> Obsession>Devotion> Passion.  The number of days to half silk was shorter and similar for Passion and Obsession and longer and similar for Devotion and A&C 844BC in 2007 and only marginally different among varieties in 2008.  Sensory analyses showed that the respondents chose Devotion as being very sweet followed by Obsession, Passion and Sweet Talk. Devotion, Passion and Obsession were similar in flavor compared to A&C 844DC.  Over all preference was in the following order Passion>Sweet Talk>Devotion>Obsession, and approximately 90 % of the respondents expressed their willingness to purchase the preferred varieties.