Of all major food crops in Minnesota, corn - or
maize - is the only native of the Americas. Maize was
domesticated about 5,000 years ago in tropical Mexico, and
cultivation spread among Native American tribes. Unlike other
grasses it produces separate male (tassels) and female
flowers (silks) and can adapt quickly to different
environments.
Until about 1915, farmers collected seed for the
next crop from their best plants. They graded the cobs
following University guidelines that even included plans for
the wood rack used to sort the cobs. While this open
pollinated seed was somewhat customized to local conditions,
the plants matured unevenly and the stalks often broke and
fell over. U of M agronomists released exceptional open
pollinated varieties in the early 1900s as they developed the
science of controlled pollination - leading to hybrids -
along with breeders at other land grant universities in
Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Efforts from 1915-20 identified "inbred" lines
possessing specific, desirable traits that could be combined
to create hybrids for particular regions and uses. In 1920 U
of M corn breeding efforts expanded by adding staff at a
branch of the University's Agricultural Experiment Station in
Waseca. Earlier maturing hybrids - for northern regions -
were tested on the St. Paul campus, while researchers at
Waseca developed higher yielding, full season hybrids.
Experimental hybrid corn varieties were released
by the U of M in the late 1920s, as researchers conducted two
landmark studies defining the trait of genetic "combining
ability" and how important it was to hybrid success. The best
in the reservoir of superior inbreds were used over the next
50 years to create almost 100 "Minhybrids" adapted to
Minnesota's extreme conditions. U of M researchers have long
worked for farmers through the Minnesota Corn Research and
Promotion Council.
From dry sandy areas up north to moist organic
soils and a longer growing season in the south, the
University varieties set performance standards for a rapidly
developing private seed corn industry.
University soil scientists analyze runoff from row crops
to determine what tillage systems best protect the soil. The
results influence how farmers plant, till, and harvest crops;
lead to improved water quality; and impact marine life in the
Gulf of Mexico.
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In 1970, molecular biologists discovered where on the
chromosome the genes responsible for protein synthesis are
located. In 1975 U of M geneticists were also first to
regenerate corn from tissue culture.
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The United States provides about 80 percent of
the world's corn. Minnesota, on the northern fringe
of the Corn Belt, ranks fourth in the U.S. Corn has
over 3,500 uses, falling into several broad
categories:
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50 % Animal feed - cattle, hogs, poultry
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23 % Exports - almost all for livestock feed
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10 % Reserves - provides a supply in bad crop
years
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8 % Sweetener - candy, and over half of all non -
diet soda
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5 % Ethanol fuel - reduces pollution
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4% Direct human consumption - thickener in
processed foods
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50 Years of U of M Research Shared Globally
From 1950 to 2000 the U of M released to
commercial seed companies more than 100 inbred lines and
germplasm - the specific, unique characteristics of a
plant. Traits captured in germplasm solve specific
challenges: disease resistance, natural protection from
insects, drought tolerance, or efficient use of nitrogen.
The genetic information is developed by traditional and
modern breeding techniques, including molecular genetics.
Hybrid seed contains germplasm from many sources, built
upon decades of public and private research.
A major analysis of corn grown two decades ago
showed that U of M germplasm was used in hybrids growing
on 21 percent of U.S. corn acres. Two of the inbred lines
ranked first and fourth of all corn parents in the
country.
A U of M genetic engineering effort created high
lysine, an essential amino acid, germplasm. The goal is to
improve human and animal nutrition in parts of the world
where maize is a major component of the diet.
University accomplishments in corn breeding are
recognized globally. In the 1950s and 60s Minnesota
breeders worked with the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization and shared Minnesota corn
germplasm worldwide. These efforts have attracted many
international students. After working on genetics,
disease, insect, or soils research, they have gone on to
establish or strengthen research programs worldwide.
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U of M Corn Releases
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99 Hybrids
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1920s-1970s
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98 Inbred Lines
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1920s-2000
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3 Popcorn Hybrids
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1930s
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12 Open Pollinated
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1893-1920s
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Minn. 13
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Rustler
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NW Dent
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Longfellow
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Silver King
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Gehu
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Pearl Flint
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Dakota White
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Golden King
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Golden Jewel
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Murdock
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Minn. 23
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Researchers evaluate plants for:
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Early season vigor
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Resistance to stem & leaf diseases
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Insect resistance
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Plant height
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Number of ears per plant
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Ear length
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Number of rows of kernels
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Root systems & standability
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Date of maturity
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Yield performance
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Field workers take a break from a 1930s harvest at
Waseca, center of much of the University's corn research.
In 1939 the state legislature approved maturity testing of
all seed corn sold, an early consumer protection act for
farmers. Five zones were established from north to south,
with the U of M Agricultural Experiment Station designated
as official testing agency. Researchers plant and test
hybrids in each zone and compare days to maturity (30
percent ear moisture) to a reference hybrid. Seed companies
provide this rating on each bag of seed sold.
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Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of
Minnesota Extension.
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Forage Legumes
