Corn variety five-level four-dimensional evaluation method and application

Abstract

The invention relates to a corn variety five-level four-dimensional evaluation method and application, the method comprises a five-level index evaluation system of basic agronomic traits, stress resistance performance, yield composition, quality characteristics and industrialization potential, and data acquisition and analysis are carried out through four dimensions of scientific quantification, production adaptability, industrial application and economic and social values. According to the method, traditional empirical evaluation is converted into a quantifiable data model through hierarchical weighting and multi-dimensional data fusion, subjective deviation is overcome, and whole-industry-chain closed-loop evaluation of the corn varieties from biological characteristics to market values is achieved. According to the method, an efficient and scientific decision-making tool is provided for variety certification, variety breeding, farmer seed selection and enterprise investment, and the transformation of the corn industry from yield to quality and benefit is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural technology, and in particular to a five-level four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Maize variety identification and evaluation is a crucial link connecting breeding innovation with production application. Henan Province, as a major maize-producing area in my country, has a well-established variety evaluation system that has played a positive role in ensuring variety approval and promoting variety replacement. Currently, higher requirements are being placed on the adaptability, stress resistance, and yield stability of maize varieties. Simultaneously, high-quality development of the industry urgently requires varieties to achieve synergistic improvements in yield, quality, mechanization compatibility, and market suitability.

[0003] However, traditional identification and evaluation systems have revealed many problems in terms of evaluation efficiency, accuracy, comprehensiveness, ecological representativeness, and intelligence: First, relying on a single yield or phenotypic trait makes it difficult to fully reflect the comprehensive performance of a variety; second, the weight of key indicators such as stress resistance, quality characteristics, and industrialization potential is too low, and the evaluation orientation deviates from industry needs; third, there is a lack of multi-dimensional data fusion and quantitative analysis methods, and subjective experience still dominates; fourth, the representativeness of ecological sites is insufficient, and the accuracy of variety adaptability evaluation is not high.

[0004] The efficiency of breeding innovation and the promotion of superior varieties are severely constrained, making it difficult to meet the urgent needs of food security, climate change response, and agricultural modernization. Currently, there is an urgent need to construct a new comprehensive evaluation method for maize varieties that is scientific, systematic, quantitatively objective, clearly oriented, and covers the entire industry chain. This will drive the transformation of the identification and evaluation system from "experience-driven" to "data-driven," providing core support for achieving high-quality development of the maize industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a scientific, systematic, quantitative and well-guided comprehensive evaluation method for maize varieties, so as to achieve an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the multiple traits of maize varieties and the entire industry chain.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention:

[0007] A five-level, four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties includes the following steps:

[0008] S1: Construct a five-level evaluation index system, which includes five primary indicators: basic agronomic traits, stress resistance performance, yield composition, quality characteristics and industrialization potential, and assign weights to the indicators.

[0009] S2: Collect data corresponding to the five-level evaluation indicators through four dimensions; the four dimensions include: scientific quantification dimension, production adaptability dimension, industrial application dimension, and economic and social value dimension;

[0010] S3: Standardize the data collected in step S2 and perform weighted calculations based on the weights to obtain the comprehensive evaluation score of the corn variety;

[0011] S4: Based on the comprehensive evaluation score, the corn varieties are graded and evaluated.

[0012] Preferably, in step S1, the weight allocation is as follows: basic agronomic traits account for 20%, stress resistance accounts for 30%, yield composition accounts for 25%, quality characteristics account for 15%, and industrialization potential accounts for 10%.

[0013] The basic agronomic traits include: plant height and ear position coefficient, growth period, uniformity, leaf morphology, and root system development.

[0014] The aforementioned resistance characteristics include: disease and insect resistance, drought and flood resistance, high and low temperature resistance, and lodging resistance.

[0015] The yield composition includes: number of ears per mu, number of grains per ear, thousand-grain weight, actual yield, and harvest index.

[0016] The quality characteristics include: nutritional quality, processing quality, appearance quality, and edible quality; the industrialization potential includes mechanization compatibility, seed production cost, market demand, and scope of application.

[0017] Preferably, in step S4, before grading and evaluating the maize variety, if the variety reaches a high level of resistance to any preset key disease in the evaluation of stress resistance performance, the evaluation is terminated or the evaluation is not passed.

[0018] The application of the five-level four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties in the approval, promotion or screening of maize varieties.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] (1) The method of the present invention includes two parts: a five-level indicator evaluation system and four-dimensional data support. The five-level indicator evaluation system lists five primary evaluation indicators and their weights, and the four-dimensional data support shows the data sources in four dimensions. After the two parts of data are collected, a comprehensive score of the variety is obtained through weighted calculation, and the final graded evaluation result is output, providing decision support for variety approval, promotion, processing and farmers' seed selection.

[0021] (2) The application of this invention not only improves the scientific nature of maize variety selection and approval, but also provides strong technical support for the transformation and upgrading of the maize industry, promoting the strategic transformation of maize breeding from "high-yield orientation" to "quality and efficiency". This evaluation system has been applied by 16 units in 7 provinces and regions including Shandong, Hebei and the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, and has become a core decision-making tool for variety selection and market promotion.

[0022] (3) The five-level four-dimensional evaluation method provided by this invention has realized the transformation of corn varieties from "experience screening" to "data decision-making" through the combination of industry, academia and research. The evaluation scope has been extended from field agronomic traits to end market feedback, providing effective technical support for improving the quality and efficiency of my country's corn industry and sustainable development in the new era. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the five-level four-dimensional evaluation system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The five-level, four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties of this invention was successfully implemented by 16 research institutes and enterprises, including the Xinxiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Henan Provincial Seed Industry Development Center, Henan Agricultural University, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing Lianchuang Seed Industry Co., Ltd., Henan Qiule Seed Industry Co., Ltd., Hebei Wotu Seed Industry Co., Ltd., and Henan Jinyuan Seed Industry Co., Ltd., and has achieved significant results in the breeding and industrial application of the superior maize variety "Xindan 58". The following is a detailed implementation process of the method of this invention.

[0025] Example 1: A five-level, four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties

[0026] Taking the new single 58 as an example, the specific steps of the five-level four-dimensional evaluation system are as follows:

[0027] I. Constructing a Five-Level Evaluation System

[0028] Table 1 shows the five-level indicator evaluation system and weight analysis, which intuitively displays the five primary evaluation indicators (basic agronomic traits, stress resistance, yield composition, quality characteristics, and industrialization potential) and their respective weights, and lists the core secondary evaluation indicators under each indicator.

[0029] Table 1. Five-level indicator evaluation system and weight analysis

[0030]

[0031] Based on the ecological and industrial realities of the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize region, the stress resistance weight is increased by 30%, and the five-level indicator structure and weights are established as follows:

[0032] (a) Basic agronomic traits (20%):

[0033] This includes plant height and ear position coefficient, growth period, uniformity, leaf morphology, and root system development.

[0034] 1. Plant height and ear placement coefficient

[0035] (1) Plant height: short (<2.2 m), medium (2.2-2.8 m), tall (>2.8 m). The goal is to achieve moderate dwarfing to enhance lodging resistance.

[0036] (2) Ear position coefficient, i.e., ear height / plant height. The ideal value is usually between 1 / 3 and 2 / 5. If the coefficient is too high (e.g., >1 / 2), the center of gravity will be unstable and the ears will be prone to lodging; if the coefficient is too low, the lower ears may be susceptible to disease and may be easily damaged during machine harvesting.

[0037] 2. Growing period: Divided into three types: early-maturing (<100 days), mid-maturing (100-115 days), and late-maturing (>115 days).

[0038] 3. Uniformity: The uniformity of ear height and maturity facilitates efficient harvesting by combine harvesters, reducing grain breakage and field ear loss.

[0039] 4. Leaf morphology: Divided into flat, semi-compact, and compact types. This includes the total number of leaves, leaf length, and width.

[0040] 5. Root system development: Root system structure, number, layers, depth and range of fibrous roots. Root vitality, drought resistance (deep root system), lodging resistance (supporting roots), and tolerance to poor soil (absorbing roots).

[0041] (ii) Resistance characteristics (30%): including resistance to diseases and pests, drought and flooding, high and low temperature tolerance, and lodging resistance.

[0042] 1. Disease and insect resistance

[0043] (1) Leaf diseases (large leaf spot, small leaf spot, gray leaf spot, rust): Disease index: based on disease classification (levels 1-9); Disease index formula: (∑(number of diseased leaves × representative value) / (total number of leaves surveyed × highest disease level value)) × 100. Incidence rate (%): (number of diseased leaves / total number of leaves surveyed) × 100%. Disease index ≤ 25 is highly resistant, 26-35 is moderately resistant, 36-45 is moderately susceptible, and > 45 is highly susceptible.

[0044] (2) Ear diseases (with ear rot as the core), ear rot incidence rate (%): (number of diseased ears / total number of ears surveyed) × 100%. Average disease grade: grade the diseased ears (e.g., grade 1 lesion area <5%; grade 9 >50%), and calculate the average disease grade of the population.

[0045] (3) Stem diseases (with stem rot / bacterial wilt as the core), field incidence rate (%): investigate the rate of stem base rot and plant death by bacterial wilt before and after maturity. Stem strength (related index): use a stem strength meter to measure the puncture strength (N) of the third internode at the base. The higher the value, the stronger the disease resistance and lodging resistance.

[0046] (4) Above-ground pests (corn borer, armyworm, etc.). Insect infestation level during the heart leaf stage (levels 1-9): Leaf damage index: number of holes per 100 plants / amount of insect excrement, quantifying the degree of damage caused by corn borer.

[0047] (5) Pests on underground parts and ears. Investigate the rate of missing seedlings and broken rows during the seedling stage, or dig up the root system to calculate the damage rate. Ear borer rate (%): (number of ears bored by peach borer, cotton bollworm, etc. / total number of ears investigated) × 100%. Grain damage rate (%): percentage of the total grain weight after threshing.

[0048] 2. Drought and flood resistance

[0049] (1) Drought resistance: leaf curling coefficient (1-5 levels) under drought stress, relative leaf water content (%): fresh weight - dry weight) / (saturated fresh weight - dry weight) × 100%.

[0050] (2) Flood tolerance: Survival rate (%): The survival rate of plants after flooding (e.g., 5-7 days) during the seedling stage or mid-growth stage, and one week after resuming normal management. Leaf yellowing index (1-9 levels): Assess the degree of yellowing of new leaves after flooding. Plant height growth rate (%): The plant height growth rate compared with the non-flooded group one week after the flooding is lifted, reflecting the recovery speed.

[0051] 3. Resistance to high and low temperatures

[0052] (1) High temperature resistance: Pollen viability (%), pollen was collected and cultured in vitro when the temperature was above 35℃ during the flowering period, and the percentage of viable pollen was calculated. Seed setting rate under high temperature stress (%): (Number of normally set grains / Total number of florets) × 100%, and the relative seed setting rate was calculated. Bare tip length (cm): The length of the unset part at the top of the ear was directly measured.

[0053] (2) Low temperature tolerance: Low temperature germination rate (%): The final germination rate under low temperature (e.g., 12-15℃) germination conditions. Chilling injury index (1-9 levels): A comprehensive assessment of the degree of purple variegation, growth stagnation, and leaf deformity of seedlings. Cold tolerance during grain filling: Grain filling rate (g / thousand grains·day): Under low temperature conditions, the growth dynamics of the thousand grain weight are measured by periodic sampling. Grain dehydration rate (% / day): The rate at which the moisture content of grains decreases after physiological maturity is measured; varieties with poor cold tolerance dehydrate slowly.

[0054] 4. Lodging resistance

[0055] (1) Stem puncture strength (N): The maximum puncture force at the third internode at the base is measured using a stem strength meter. High resistance > 450N, medium resistance 350-450N.

[0056] (2) Root pull-out resistance (N): The maximum resistance to vertically pulling the plant out of the soil is measured using a pull gauge.

[0057] (3) Root lodging rate (%): (Number of plants with root lodging / Total number of plants surveyed) × 100%. Stem breakage rate (%): (Number of plants with stem breakage / Total number of plants surveyed) × 100%. Plants with tilt angle > 45° (%): as a reference indicator for mild lodging.

[0058] (III) Production Composition (25%)

[0059] This includes the number of ears per mu, the number of grains per ear, the weight of 1,000 grains, the actual yield, and the harvest index.

[0060] 1. Number of ears per mu:

[0061] The number of effective ears per unit area. The number of ears per mu (unit of land area) is the first multiplier of yield and forms the framework of population yield.

[0062] 2. Number of grains per ear: The total number of grains on a single ear, i.e., the number of rows per ear × the number of grains per row.

[0063] 3. 1000-grain weight: The weight (in grams) of 1000 seeds.

[0064] 4. Actual yield: Total dry weight of grains harvested per unit area (kg / mu).

[0065] 5. Harvest Index: The ratio of economic yield (dry weight of grains) to biological yield (total dry weight of aboveground parts). Calculation formula: Dry weight of grains / (dry weight of stems and leaves + dry weight of grains + dry weight of rachis).

[0066] (iv) Quality characteristics (15%)

[0067] This includes nutritional quality, processing quality, appearance quality, and edibility.

[0068] (v) Industrialization potential (10%)

[0069] This includes mechanization compatibility, seed production costs, market demand, applicability, and intellectual property rights.

[0070] II. Four-dimensional data system acquisition

[0071] 1. Scientific Quantitative Dimension: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are used to determine the protein, starch, fat content and amino acid composition of the grains; PCR molecular markers are used to identify genetic purity and resistance genes.

[0072] Measurement method:

[0073] Nutritional quality: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to rapidly determine the crude protein content (dry basis, %), crude starch content (dry basis, %), and crude fat content (dry basis, %) of the grains.

[0074] Component analysis: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to accurately analyze the composition of key amino acids such as lysine content (%).

[0075] Genetic identification: PCR molecular marker technology was used to detect genetic purity (%) and genotype identification was performed on known disease resistance genes (such as genes for resistance to southern rust and stem rot).

[0076] Evaluation Criteria:

[0077] Crude protein content: >9.5% is excellent, 8.5%-9.5% is good, and <8.0% is poor.

[0078] Crude starch content: >74.0% is excellent, 72.0%-74.0% is good, and <70.0% is poor.

[0079] Genetic purity: ≥98.5% is excellent, and the score decreases accordingly for every 0.5% decrease.

[0080] 2. Production adaptability dimension: 21 ecological test sites were set up in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and East China. Plant growth, stress resistance and yield traits were continuously monitored through UAV remote sensing and phenomics platform. The focus was on evaluating the plant’s ability to withstand high temperatures during flowering and its drought resistance stability.

[0081] Measurement method:

[0082] Resistance performance: Under artificial inoculation and natural disease conditions, the disease index of southern rust (0-9) and the incidence of stem rot (%) were investigated; under stress conditions, the lodging rate (%) and wilting index (1-5) were recorded.

[0083] Yield traits: The number of ears per mu (ears / mu), the number of grains per ear (grains / ear), the weight of 1000 grains (g), and the actual yield per mu (kg / mu) were measured.

[0084] Agronomic traits: Plant height (cm) and ear height (cm) were measured using UAV remote sensing and phenotypic platforms, and uniformity (coefficient of variation of plant height CV%) was calculated.

[0085] Example of evaluation benchmark:

[0086] Southern rust resistance: Level 1-3 (high resistance to medium resistance) is excellent, Level 5 (medium susceptibility) is medium, and Level 7-9 (high susceptibility) is poor (and triggers a veto).

[0087] Lodging rate: <5% is excellent, 5%-15% is medium, and >15% is poor.

[0088] Actual yield per mu: The yield of the regional trial control variety is taken as 100%. For each 1% increase / decrease in yield, the score will increase or decrease accordingly.

[0089] 3. Industrial application dimension: Collaborate on pilot-scale processing tests, using texture analyzers, rheometers, etc. to test grain bulk density, hardness, starch extraction rate and fermentation adaptability, and comprehensively evaluate its processing suitability.

[0090] Measurement method:

[0091] Physical quality: The bulk density (g / L) was measured using a bulk density meter; the kernel hardness (N) or crushing force (kN) was measured using a texture analyzer.

[0092] Processing performance: Starch extraction rate (%) was determined using a small starch extraction line; peak viscosity (cP) of starch paste was analyzed using a rheometer.

[0093] Fermentation adaptability: Fermentation efficiency (%) was determined for fuel ethanol applications.

[0094] Evaluation Criteria:

[0095] Test weight: ≥750 g / L is excellent, 720-749 g / L is good, <700 g / L is poor.

[0096] Starch extraction rate: >70% is excellent, 65%-70% is good, and <60% is poor.

[0097] Peak viscosity: Set the optimal range based on the target product (such as high amylose, waxy corn), and a higher score is achieved if the viscosity is within the range.

[0098] 4. Economic and social value dimension: Through multiple rounds of expert-user tasting meetings, grower questionnaire surveys (sample size > 2000 households) and enterprise feedback, the system collects data on the performance of varieties in terms of water and pesticide conservation, mechanization efficiency, and market premium.

[0099] Economic benefits: Through farmer questionnaires, statistics were compiled on the reduction in pesticide input (yuan / mu) due to the strong resistance of the variety, the reduction in drying costs (yuan / mu) due to the rapid dehydration, and the market premium (yuan / kg) obtained due to the excellent quality.

[0100] Social evaluation: At the expert-user tasting meeting, the appearance, taste and other aspects of the variety are rated by overall preference (1-9 points).

[0101] Market potential: summarizing planting intention rate (%) and enterprise order coverage rate (%).

[0102] Example of evaluation benchmark:

[0103] Reduced pesticide input: >15% savings compared to the control is considered excellent, while 5%-15% savings is considered good.

[0104] Overall preference rating: ≥7.5 points is excellent, 6.0-7.4 points is good, and <6.0 points is poor.

[0105] Planting intention rate: >80% is excellent, 60%-80% is good.

[0106] Data integration and comprehensive evaluation:

[0107] Multi-source heterogeneous data were standardized and weighted according to predetermined weights to generate a comprehensive variety score. The grading standards are as follows: 90-100 points, Grade I (Excellent); 80-90 points, Grade II (Good); 70-80 points, Grade III (Fair); 60-70 points, Grade IV (Average); and below 60 points, Grade V (Poor). "Xindan 58" demonstrated outstanding performance in stress resistance (score rate 92%), yield potential (score rate 88%), and quality consistency (score rate 85%), receiving an excellent overall evaluation. The decision supports its application for national approval in both the Huang-Huai-Hai summer sowing area and the Donghuai North spring sowing area (see Table 2).

[0108] Evaluation Results and Decision-Making Application: Based on a five-level, four-dimensional evaluation system, a closed-loop evaluation of the entire industrial chain, from biological traits to market value, was conducted on the maize variety Xindan 58. This variety achieved a comprehensive score of 91.5, with an overall evaluation rating of excellent. It particularly excels in stress resistance, yield potential, and quality consistency, demonstrating significant yield-increasing capacity and comprehensive advantages compared to the currently dominant control variety Zhengdan 958. The evaluation committee unanimously recommended that Xindan 58 be designated as a key variety for promotion and supported its simultaneous application for national approval in both the Huang-Huai-Hai summer planting area and the Northeast China spring planting area.

[0109] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the five-level evaluation system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the method includes two parts: a five-level indicator evaluation system and four-dimensional data support. The five-level indicator evaluation system (left side) lists five primary evaluation indicators and their weights, which are the criteria for comprehensive evaluation. The four-dimensional data support (right side) shows the data sources for the four dimensions.

[0110] After the two sets of data are combined, a comprehensive score for the variety is obtained through weighted calculation, and the final graded evaluation result is output, providing decision support for variety breeding, variety approval, promotion, processing, and farmer seed selection. This figure clearly illustrates the structured, systematic, and data-driven characteristics of the method of this invention.

[0111] Table 2. Comprehensive evaluation of the new maize variety Xindan 58 based on the evaluation system.

[0112]

[0113] Example 2: Four-dimensional data analysis

[0114] Analysis of four-dimensional data based on the data in Table 2

[0115] 1. Scientific Quantitative Dimension (Laboratory Data)

[0116] Genetic purity: The PCR molecular marker detection result was 99.2%, indicating excellent purity.

[0117] Nutritional quality: Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the crude protein content was 9.8% (excellent), the crude starch content was 74.5% (excellent), and the crude fat content was 4.2% (good).

[0118] Resistance genes: Molecular identification confirmed that the virus carries key genes for resistance to southern rust and stem rot.

[0119] 2. Production adaptability dimension (field performance)

[0120] Regional trials: In 21 pilot areas in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer-sown region, the average yield was 667.8 kg / mu, an increase of 5.85% compared with the control Zhengdan 958; in the Donghua North spring-sown region, the average yield was 806.8 kg / mu, an increase of 7.4%.

[0121] Resilience:

[0122] Diseases: Southern rust disease severity index 2.5 (high resistance), stem rot incidence 3.8% (high resistance).

[0123] Lodging resistance: Lodging rate <3% (excellent), stem puncture strength up to 480N (high resistance).

[0124] Agronomic traits: Drone remote sensing monitoring showed that the uniformity of the population was 8.5%, and the ear positions were uniform.

[0125] 3. Industrial Application Dimension (Process Testing)

[0126] Physical quality: Test weight 755g / L (excellent), high grain hardness, suitable for mechanized harvesting and processing.

[0127] Processing performance: Starch extraction rate 71% (excellent), peak viscosity is within the optimal range for starch sugar processing.

[0128] Fermentation adaptability: Fermentation efficiency 92%.

[0129] 4. Economic and Social Value Dimension (Market Feedback)

[0130] Economic benefits: Farmer surveys show that due to its strong disease resistance, the average amount of pesticides used per mu (unit of land area) is reduced by 18%; and due to the rapid dehydration of the grains, the drying cost is reduced by 12%.

[0131] Social evaluation: Experts and users gave it an overall preference score of 8.1 points.

[0132] Market potential: A survey on planting intentions showed that the intention rate reached 83%; many downstream companies expressed their intention to place orders.

[0133] 5. Verification of the veto mechanism

[0134] Upon verification, it was found that in the stress resistance performance evaluation, the resistance level of the new single 58 rust variety did not reach the high susceptibility (HS) level for any of the preset key diseases (especially southern rust), and all met the admission requirements. The veto mechanism was not triggered, and the evaluation process was completed smoothly.

[0135] Example 3: Application of the Five-Level Four-Dimensional Evaluation System in Maize Variety Approval

[0136] The Henan Provincial Seed Management Station, in collaboration with 16 agricultural research institutions, agricultural universities, and seed companies, introduced the five-level, four-dimensional evaluation system of this invention into the provincial variety approval process and optimized it locally. While maintaining the five-level indicator framework, the weight of stress resistance performance was increased to 30% based on Henan's ecological characteristics. A "one-vote veto" resistance requirement was implemented for the three major local diseases—small leaf spot, stalk rot, and ear rot—forcing an upgrade in disease-resistant breeding technology. Addressing Henan's characteristics of simultaneous rain and heat and frequent disease outbreaks, secondary indicators such as the grain-filling period's tolerance to cloudy and rainy weather index and ear rot resistance level were added to the stress resistance performance evaluation.

[0137] With the help of the five-level four-dimensional evaluation system, Henan Province has taken the lead in the country to achieve a forward-looking layout and diversification of variety approval.

[0138] (1) Special type corn: Starch industry special type: In the quality characteristic evaluation, the weight of indicators such as amylose content and starch extraction rate is increased to 20%, guiding the selection of high starch varieties suitable for deep processing.

[0139] (2) Mechanized grain harvesting: Innovatively, “mechanization compatibility” is listed separately from industrialization potential, and a special evaluation for mechanized harvesting is established, requiring grain dehydration rate > 0.8% / day and field head drop rate < 3%.

[0140] (3) Fresh sweet and glutinous type: Add a secondary indicator of "fresh food quality" to the quality characteristics, and promote the upgrading of fresh corn quality through expert evaluation and consumer evaluation.

[0141] (4) All-purpose corn for grain and feed: Through the precise guidance of the evaluation system, several all-purpose corn varieties for grain and feed were successfully cultivated for the first time in China. For example, Yudan 876 performed well in the evaluation, with a grain yield of 758 kg / mu (yield composition score of 90). Biomass yield: the fresh weight of the whole plant reached 3.8 tons / mu (industrialization potential score of 85). Nutritional quality: the crude protein content of the whole plant was 7.8%, and the starch content was 28% (quality characteristics score of 88). It has realized a flexible application model of "harvesting grain when grain benefits are high, using it as silage when silage benefits are high, and also having the ability to be used for disaster relief", reducing the risk of production and application.

[0142] After applying this evaluation system, the structure of approved varieties in Henan Province has undergone significant changes. The proportion of ordinary grain corn has decreased from 90% to 75%, while machine-harvested varieties have gone from non-existent to accounting for 28% in 2023. From 2021 to 2023, a total of 15 silage corn varieties were approved, three times the total of the previous 10 years. The proportion of specialty corn varieties (sweet, waxy, and popcorn) has increased to 12%. The optimization of the approved variety structure has yielded significant results.

[0143] Application Results: During the 2022-2023 variety approval process in Henan Province, nine varieties were rejected due to insufficient resistance to key diseases, including three varieties with outstanding yield potential that were rejected for disease susceptibility, thus avoiding potential planting losses. This has promoted the overall improvement of disease resistance among maize varieties throughout the province.

[0144] Through the comprehensive application of the five-level, four-dimensional evaluation system, Henan Province has achieved three major transformations in its maize variety approval process:

[0145] (1) From a single evaluation based on yield to a multi-dimensional evaluation: Variety evaluation is more comprehensive and scientific;

[0146] (2) From experience-based judgment to data-driven decision-making: the review process is more objective and transparent;

[0147] (3) From following the market to leading the industry: the variety structure is more in line with the needs of modern agriculture.

[0148] The application of this evaluation system has not only improved the scientific level of maize variety approval in Henan Province, but also provided strong technical support for the transformation and upgrading of the maize industry in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, promoting the strategic transformation of maize breeding from "high-yield orientation" to "quality and efficiency as equally important". This evaluation system has been applied by 16 units (including Beijing Lianchuang, Hebei Wotu Seed Industry, and Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences) in 7 provinces and regions such as Shandong and Hebei. Variety testing efficiency has increased by 16-25%, evaluation costs have decreased by more than 18%, and the market share of new varieties has increased by 15-20%, making it a core decision-making tool for variety breeding and market promotion.

Claims

1. A five-level, four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Construct a five-level evaluation index system, which includes five primary indicators: basic agronomic traits, stress resistance performance, yield composition, quality characteristics and industrialization potential, and assign weights to the indicators. S2: Collect data corresponding to the five-level evaluation indicators through four dimensions; the four dimensions include: scientific quantification dimension, production adaptability dimension, industrial application dimension, and economic and social value dimension; S3: Standardize the data collected in step S2 and perform weighted calculations based on the weights to obtain the comprehensive evaluation score of the corn variety; S4: Based on the comprehensive evaluation score, the corn varieties are graded and evaluated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the weight allocation is as follows: basic agronomic traits account for 20%, stress resistance accounts for 30%, yield composition accounts for 25%, quality characteristics account for 15%, and industrialization potential accounts for 10%.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The basic agronomic traits include: plant height and ear position coefficient, growth period, uniformity, leaf morphology, and root system development.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned resistance characteristics include: disease and insect resistance, drought and flood resistance, high and low temperature resistance, and lodging resistance.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The yield composition includes: number of ears per mu, number of grains per ear, thousand-grain weight, actual yield, and harvest index.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The quality characteristics include: nutritional quality, processing quality, appearance quality, and edible quality; the industrialization potential includes mechanization compatibility, seed production cost, market demand, and scope of application.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, before grading and evaluating maize varieties, if the variety reaches a high level of resistance to any preset key disease in the evaluation of stress resistance performance, the evaluation will be terminated or the evaluation will not be passed.

8. The application of a five-level four-dimensional evaluation method for maize varieties according to any one of claims 1-7 in maize variety approval, promotion or variety screening.

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