The Nation's First Pigment Complex Expression Glutinous Corn
A 7.4ha Cultivation Complex Established in Hwayang-myeon
Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong) announced that it will cultivate the new glutinous corn variety ‘Hwanggeum Heukchal’ as a regionally specialized crop.
‘Hwanggeum Heukchal’ is a glutinous corn variety in which the functional pigments anthocyanin (black) and carotenoid (yellow) are simultaneously expressed in the kernels.
In particular, it has an excellent marketability with a 98% tip filling rate and is resistant to lodging, gaining positive responses from farmers.
Accordingly, Yeosu City is promoting the ‘Functional Color Glutinous Corn New Variety Cultivation Complex Pilot Project’ this year to actively introduce the new variety, and plans to establish a 7.4-hectare cultivation complex of Hwanggeum Heukchal corn in Hwayang-myeon, a major corn production area, aiming to develop regionally specialized crops.
On the 24th, a cultivation technology training session for the new variety ‘Hwanggeum Heukchal’ was held for 40 corn farmers in Hwayang-myeon.
This training was organized to provide consumers with diverse options through the stable distribution of the new glutinous corn variety ‘Hwanggeum Heukchal’ and to enhance the competitiveness of farmers.
Researcher Bae Hwan-hee from the National Institute of Crop Science, who conducted the lecture that day, introduced the characteristics and key cultivation techniques of the new variety, emphasizing that “the harvest timing is crucial for Hwanggeum Heukchal.” She explained, “Yellow coloration appears about 15 days after silking at the end of April, and black coloration appears about 3 days later, so the recommended harvest period is approximately 17 to 20 days.”
A city official stated, “The introduction of new varieties in the market is essential to meet the diverse demands of consumers,” adding, “We will do our best to increase farmers’ income through continuous dissemination of new technologies and education.”
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