Sweet corn makes many people smile. Minnesota
grown corn-on-the-cob is a culinary sign of midsummer,
awaited by gourmets of every age. However, consumption of
fresh produce is dwarfed by quantities commercially processed
and sold frozen or canned. The Midwest region of Minnesota,
Wisconsin, and Illinois produces more than 45 percent of the
U.S. supply of processed vegetables, with a wholesale value
close to two billion dollars. Much is sold directly to the
food service industry: restaurants, schools, and hospitals.
Minnesota's canning industry began in the 1920s,
and expanded because the cool and somewhat dry climate in
Minnesota reduces insect and disease problems. Even so, up to
10 percent of the pea crop is lost to root rot. U of M
horticultural research focuses on root rot in peas, and
control of European corn borer and ear worm damage in sweet
corn.
Breeders developed and released to seed companies
germplasm with improved resistance to these pests, and
scientists are improving crop management systems for
sustainable production. Also, food scientists have increased
the nutrient levels of processed foods, through improved
storage and processing technology.
|
Minnesota ranks first in green peas production
Minnesota ranks second in sweet corn production, with
one and a half billion pounds grown annually. Most is canned
or frozen.
|
Vegetables as Medicine
Cabbage grown at the Southern Research and Outreach
Center, Waseca, is part of a U of M medical and nutrition
study. Plant scientists are developing methods to enhance the
plant's production of nutriceuticals, chemicals such as
glucosinolates that reduce one's risk of cancer.
The relationship of plants and human health is the
focus of additional studies by food and biomedical scientists
and horticulturalists. Other crops being evaluated for cancer
chemopreventive agents include watercress, Chinese cabbage,
carrots, turnips, and tomatoes.
|
U of M Green Pea Varieties
|
|
MN 108
|
1976
|
|
MN 494 A11
|
1980
|
|
MN 144
|
1994
|
|
MN 313
|
1994
|
U of M Sweet Corn Varieties
|
|
Minhybrid 201, 202, 203
|
1936
|
|
Minhybrid 204, 205
|
1937
|
|
AS 9
|
1980
|
|
AS 11, AS 12
|
1986
|
|
AE-HY-13A, AE-HY-13B
|
1987
|
|
A 684su, A 685su, A 686su
|
1992
|

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of
Minnesota Extension.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Extension Store at (800) 876-8636.
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
|