NCCC_OLD167: Corn Breeding Research

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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Date of Annual Report: 06/13/2007

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Annual Meeting Dates: 03/21/2007 - 03/23/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 09/01/2006

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NCCC167 Summary Report The objectives of NCCC167 are to 1) generate novel and well-adapted corn germplasm, 2) provide a forum to raise awareness of plant breeding, 3) create a platform for continual communication about plant breeding research and genetic technology, and, 4) help educate future plant breeders. To these ends, NCCC167 holds an annual meeting to which we invite a wide array of researchers, from both public and private sectors, to discuss our activities and review the science of our discipline. In 2007, we held our meeting in conjunction with the Maize Genetics meeting at Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL on March 21-22. Approximately 75-100 people attended. The formal program of presentations is available at http://corn2.agron.iastate.edu/ncr167/. The individual research institutions that make up NCCC167 also provide a summary of their activities as part of our activities. These reports follow below. NCCC167 University of Minnesota Report - Rex Bernardo My mission at the University of Minnesota is (i) to discover new ways of breeding corn, (ii) to breedcorn for new uses, and (iii) to educate future plant breeders. My current research focuses on exploiting cheap and abundant molecular markers in corn breeding; corn performance in conventional versus organic production systems; dwarf corn and high-sucrose corn; and breeding corn for both grain yield and stover quality for cellulosic ethanol. My work involves theoretical research, computer simulation, molecular marker analysis, or field experimentation. I advise graduate students, serve on graduate committees, and teach two graduate courses. In 2006, we conducted research (with Dr. Jianming Yu, Kansas State University) on the prospects of genome-wide selection for complex traits in maize. Unlike traditional approaches in markerassisted selection, genome-wide selection does not require the identification of markers with significant effects on the trait. In simulation studies, we found that the response to genome-wide selection was 1843% larger than the response to marker-assisted selection. We consider this an important finding, and we are planning to empirically compare genome-wide selection and marker-assisted selection. We also conducted (with Dr. Craig Sheaffer, University of Minnesota) the second (and last) year of our dwarf corn trials. Results from 2005 indicated that, compared with conventional corn, dwarf corn is 10 percentage points drier at harvest but is about 50% lower in grain yield. Dwarf corn has 10% higher predicted dairy-cattle milk yield per ton of stover, but 40% lower milk yield per hectare. We are currently analyzing the multi-environment data from these experiments. We evaluated the potential of corn as a sugar crop in field trials. Initial results indicated new and old maize hybrids vary in their sugar content in stalk juice. We began developing the source code for QTL Miner, a computer program useful detecting genes for quantitative traits from data routinely generated in breeding programs for self-pollinated crops. Dindo Tabanao finished his Ph.D. studies on genetic variance in breeding populations formed from small numbers of parents. I continue to advise and direct the research of three graduate students: Robenzon Lorenzana (Philippines), Choo-Kien Wong (Malaysia), and Patricio Mayor (Argentina). NCCC167 North Dakota State University Report - Marcelo J. Carena The goal of the corn-breeding program at NDSU is to conduct research in basic and applied corn breeding for the northern Corn Belt emphasizing germplasm adaptation and improvement, inbred line and population development, and hybrid testing as well as training the next generation of plant breeders. Specific objectives are: 1) Identify elite exotic genetic materials for adaptation, 2) Maximize genetic improvement of corn germplasm adapted to North Dakota, 3) Develop early maturing maize inbred lines and populations for northern U.S., 4) Coordinate hybrid maize performance testing trials, 5) Assess profitable alternatives (e.g. corn-ethanol relationship) 6) Train the next generation of breeders Breeding for Local Adaptation: Local adaptation is essential for ND environmental challenges. These environmental challenges are mainly the short period between killing frosts, the limited heat supply, and the limited rainfall. Therefore, grain quality, test weight, drought tolerance, cold tolerance, early seedling vigor, uniform emergence in cold soils, dry down, and early maturity are very important characteristics essential to a ND hybrid (as evident as grain yield). Our program has focused toward these farmer goals especially in 2006. We develop elite populations, inbreds, and their respective hybrids. We had about 40 requests for germplasm from other public and private programs last year, mainly inbred lines due to fast dry down, early maturity, good performance and quality, and because of new sources of genetic diversity within early maturing germplasm. We currently have four full-sib reciprocal recurrent selection programs that address the creation of new heterotic patterns for the region and are a consequence of the extensive testing performed for choice of germplasm. NDBSK(HI-M)C3, NDBS11(FR-M)C3, and NDBS1011 were adapted and released as improved germplasm sources for development of inbred parents for early maturity and high yielding corn hybrids and as elite parents for early maturing maize population hybrids (see 2007 NCCC167 release note). Other tropical and late temperate elite populations are under adaptation and extensive testing as well. In 2006, we continued our research devoted to germplasm adaptation with GEM material in the northern Corn Belt. AR16026:S17-66-1-B (coded as GEM21) derived lines, adapted through the incorporation of elite early-maturing line ND2000, were test crossed to LH176 and to a coded Bt commercial tester from Syngenta representing the Iodent heterotic group. Six-year efforts of adaptation are yielding several adapted lines with better yield and agronomic performance than popular hybrid Pioneer 39D82. During this season, we have maintained our four full-sib reciprocal recurrent selection programs involving BS21, BS22, NDSAB, Leaming, CGSS, and CGL derived early-maturing populations after creating new heterotic patterns. We have continued our intra-population recurrent selection efforts for germplasm improvement on populations that have demonstrated good potential for inbred line development. Non-transgenic Approaches to Drought Tolerance: Corn is still limited in its west extension due to significant environmental challenges, mainly drought. The main economic benefit to the farmer and industry in this state continues to be the current availability of productive early-maturing lines with high starch under abiotic stresses, a priority within the NDSU corn breeding program. Results so far indicate that over 700 ND lines (out of 3,500) have a large potential of transmitting drought tolerance to their hybrids and these were produced in our 2006 summer nursery. Efforts have been initiated to understand the mechanisms of polygenic effects involved in drought tolerance by annually testing over 4,000 genotypes (early generation inbreds and hybrids) through non-transgenic approaches, a complementary approach to industry. Grain Quality: Following an award from the state Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) we have initiated the screening of germplasm for grain quality traits for the development of corn hybrids specific for processing and ethanol utilization. Currently, 20% of our germplasm is being evaluated for grain quality with a long-term target to evaluate all of it. Our corn breeding program has continued its focus on the development of very early-maturing inbred lines reducing the risks associated with late planting, early frost, and low grain quality. Extensive testing across locations have shown that some early-maturing hybrids (in cooperation with certain industries) are similar in grain yield and lodging performance, above average test weight (~3 lb/Bu) and below average grain moisture at harvest (~40 g kg-1) compared to dominant commercial corn hybrids available in ND. Mating design studies including reciprocal crosses have evaluated not only combining ability effects but also maternal and reciprocal effects. Most traits, including endosperm-related traits, have not shown significant maternal and reciprocal effects. Disease Resistance: Two segregating populations (F2:3 families) derived from the crosses of ND284 (susceptible) x B100 (resistant) and ND284 x B37 (resistant) were evaluated. A total of 22 QTL(s) were discovered for eyespot resistance across all maize chromosomes (with major effects on chromosome 8) except chromosome 9. The total percentage of the phenotypic variation explained for eyespot resistance differed among traits and populations ranging from 16.1 to 70.1%. This research shows the difficulty of the practical significance of performing marker-assisted selection of QTL(s) and real quantitative traits with minor effects, especially those QTL(s) that were not repeatable across populations. Standard errors, false positives, and power of QTL detection have limited our efforts on QTL studies. Inbred Line Development: Extensive data was generated from the 2006 field tests across 15 locations with the purpose to determine the relative effectiveness of selection studies for developing new early-maturing genotypes that can be used either in hybrids or as germplasm in pedigree selection programs. In my judgment, two of the new inbred lines seem promising for use as parents for 70 to 85RM hybrids while four new inbred lines seem promising for use as parents for 85 to 95RM hybrids (See NCCC-167 release note). Our early maturing hybrid trials included 10 experiments grown at three to 15 locations testing over 1,000 ND hybrids at early and late generation stages for yield, maturity, stand ability, and test weight performance. Twenty-three new and early maturing ND experimental lines are at final stages for potential release in the fall of 2008. Meanwhile, 65 new and early ND experimental lines were selected for further testing and release potential in 2009. Graduate Students: In the past eight years the NDSU corn breeding program has trained an average of one student per year. All of them without exception were hired by industry (Monsanto, Pioneer), USDA, NDSU, and University of Delaware. Half of the Plant Science Ph.D. graduates in 2006 came from our program. Four graduate students (2 Ph.D. and 2 MS) and one visiting scientist (Corn Breeding Director at LAAS, Shenyang, China) were trained in our breeding program during 2006. NCCC167 2006 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Report - Ken Russell In the corn breeding/quantitative genetics program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, there are two broad goals: 1) evaluation of improved breeding/testing procedures, and 2) development of improved corn germplasm, with special emphasis on novel germplasm in terms of background and/or traits. Currently I have five projects--two under goal 1, two under goal 2, and one that falls under both goals. Evaluation of crossover interactions (goal 1). Crossover interactions are a special type of genotype x environment interaction that occurs when the performance ranking of cultivars change across environments. My long-term objectives are to determine the frequency and distribution of crossover interactions in multi-environmental trials across the central U.S. Corn Belt and eventually to identify the specific environmental variables and/or genes that contribute to these interactions. In 2005, the following steps were taken in this project: i) Data from 2 multi-environmental wheat trials (one in Nebraska and one in the south-central United States). In the Nebraska trial, the occurrence of crossover interactions was significant but the distribution of these interactions did not support the development of wheat cultivars for local adaptation. Crossover interactions occurred less frequently in the south-central evaluation. In both evaluations, the frequency of crossover interactions did not appear to be associated with differences in average yield level between environments; ii) Analysis of data from a national corn trial was initiated and is on-going; iii) A 3-year evaluation of a 20 elite corn hybrids at multiple locations was initiated. In most existing databases the same hybrids are not analyzed across years. This limits to a degree what can be learned from these databases. This evaluation was initiated to generate a database that would not have this limitation. Corn breeding for farmers (goal 1): Farmers have long had an interest in corn breeding and some continue to attempt to develop their own cultivars for their personal use rather than purchasing seed from a commercial seed company. I initiated a program three years ago to train a group of 20 farmers and simultaneously to evaluate a testing protocol these farmers could use on their own farms that is based on these modern principles. In essence, the program was based on replicated, single-plant plots (hereafter referred to as microplots) that are hand-planted and hand-harvested. Such trials were conducted at eight locations using S1 topcrosses (the S1s were from a broad-based population), and these trials were compared to two-row x 20-foot replicated plots that are the standard used in the seed industry. Based on the probability of greater F-values from within location analyses for the differences among topcrosses, there was no indication that the data from the microplots and the standard plots differed in precision. Based on broad-sense heritability, there was some suggestion that two replications of data from standard plots were slightly superior to two replications of microplot data, but any advantage disappeared when the number of replications for the microplot protocol was increased from two to six. Correlations of topcross performance for all pairs of locations showed on average that two random microplot trials were not any more similar to each other than either was to a standard plot trial. However, when performances of specific topcrosses were compared, there was a suggestion that taller topcrosses may have done better in the microplot trials because of competitive effects. Development of red- and blue-colored germplasms (goal 2). Blue and red corns currently are of interest in producing human food products, such as colored tortilla chips. In the relatively near future, these corns may gain more public interest because of recent evidence that suggests multiple health benefits from the anthocyanins that are responsible for the red and blue color. My approach is to develop two heterotic blue populations and two heterotic red populations and eventually to develop commercially acceptable inbreds and single-cross hybrids from these materials. Initial populations were formed from multiple open-pollinated sources and some non-colored elite germplasm in 2005 and 2006. Mass and family selection within populations will be initiated in 2007. Release of even the populations is not expected for at least several years. Develop of hi-row number Stiff Stalk and non-Stiff Stalk populations (goal 2). This project was initiated in 2006 based on the SYN 1 and SYN 2 populations developed by Don Shaver. In both populations, the sources of the hi-row number trait were the pi1 and pi2 duplicate factors from the open-pollinated varieity, Country Gentleman. For numerous cycles, Shaver introgressed Stiff Stalk (SYN 1) or Lancaster (SYN 2) lines into the populations, followed by mass selection for the hi-row number characteristic. I plan to continue this work. In 2007, my intention is to cross selected ears from SYN 1 to (LH119 x PHG39) and selected ears of SYN 2 to (LH51 x PHG35). Improve a population with high potential to improve yield of Corn Belt germplasm and investigate the components of high yield (goals 1 and 2). In 2000 and 2001, I formed a population by intermating in approximately equal percentages six populations that had been identified by Dudley et al. (1996) as having high potential to improve the yield of elite Corn Belt germplasm. The genetic make-up of this population is >60% non-Corn Belt material, but based on occurrence of flowering it is well-adapted to Lincoln, Nebraska. The base population was called NEL_00, and for four cycles it has been mass selected for grain yield at 37,000 plants/acre (NEL[MHD], mass high density) and at 7000 plants/acre (NEL[MLD], mass low density). In both selection regimes, inputs are very high to maximize yield response. Only non-lodged plants are selected. The two yield components that are of interest are 1) the maximum yield per plant when there is essentially unlimited inputs within practical limits (i.e., high nitrogen, no water stress, very little plant-to-plant competition for light and C02), and 2) the rate at which this yield declines as the plant density increases. The low-density selection is selection for the first of these components only. The high-density selection is selection for both components. In 2006, the fourth cycle of mass selection in both NEL[MHD] and NEL[MLD] was completed. With the high inputs, high yields have been observed in each of the years of selection. In 2006, the mean yield of NEL[MHD]_04 was 138 bushels per acre and the mean yield of the 12 selected plants used to form the next cycle was 229 bushels/acre. The comparable mean yields of NEL[MLD]_04 were 117 and 288 bushels/acre. Evaluation of modifications to both yield components in both populations was initiated in 2006 and will be continued in each future year. Changing the method of selection from population per se to topcross selection beginning in 2008 is under consideration. NCCC167 University of Wisconsin Report James G. Coors The corn breeding/genetics program at the University of Wisconsin involves research with both grain and silage germplasm. Our research focuses on germplasm and technology development for improving yield and nutritional quality of silage corn, as well as creating suitable germplasm for energy biofeedstock development. Current projects receiving the most attention are listed below. Germplasm and Technology Development for Improved Yield and Nutritional Value for Silage: The UW corn breeding program has unique germplasm, the Wisconsin Quality Synthetic (WQS), specifically designed to produce high-quality inbreds for use as parents for silage hybrids. The WQS synthetic is continuously improved using a S2-testcross recurrent selection breeding method, and inbreds derived from succeeding cycles of improvement will be developed to the S6 stage and released (See http://www.silagebreeding.agronomy.wisc.edu/). The nutritional improvements characteristic of WQS germplasm are low neutral detergent fiber (NDF), high in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), high NDF digestibility (NDFD), and low lignin concentration. We are in the fourth cycle of selection, and in 2006 we evaluated 101 new S2 and S3 testcrosses with inbred LH244. In 2007, the 20 top-performing S2 families will be recombined to create WQS C4. In 2006, we continued our breeding effort for the GEM Quality Synthetic (GQS), developed from GEM breeding populations. Since GQS is approximately 75% Stiff Stalk, inbred lines from GQS may well produce silage hybrids with high forage yield as well as superior nutritional quality when crossed to inbred lines from WQS, which is a non-Stiff Stalk breeding population. We will continue breeding GQS using the same S2-testcross system used for WQS. In 2006, we evaluated 73 S2 families crossed to W604S. In 2007, the 20 top-performing S2 families will be recombined to create GQS C1. Starch Utilization by Ruminants: The primary aim of this research is to improve the utilization of corn grain and silage by dairy cattle through evaluation of starch and endosperm characteristics that influence ruminal starch degradation and the development of corn hybrids with increased starch digestibility. We are using near-isogenic lines for fl2 and o2 genes in the Oh43 and W64A inbred backgrounds. These genes may produce a less dense endosperm than normal, which may influence starch degradability. We also evaluated testcrosses involving 75+ inbreds from the GEM project and WQS for kernel hardness and vitreousness. We have also completed a QTL study of starch degradation using genetic materials that have been developed by Dr. Javier Betran, Texas A & M University for a study of kernel hardness (flint versus dent) and pest resistance (Aspergillus flavus). These materials include ~140 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), which are inbred lines derived from the cross B73o2 x CML161. B73o2 is a soft-kernel inbred line expressing the o2 mutation. CML161 also contains the o2 mutation, but CML161 was selected during its development for hard, vitreous kernels as part of CIMMYTs Quality Protein Maize project. One-hundred and forty o2 recombinant inbred lines have been evaluated for starch degradabilities in a ruminal in situ evaluation. We are in the process of completing the QTL mapping. Biofeedstock Development: This project addresses needs for corn stover feedstock development through an integrated multidisciplinary approach. The collaboration includes Iowa State University, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Pennsylvania, the USDA Dairy Forage Research Center, and the USDA Corn Insect and Crop Genetics Research Unit along with several industry partners. Research teams are focused on plant breeding and crop physiology, harvest and storage technologies, and systems integration. The overall objectives of this project are to: 1) develop innovative harvesting and storage technologies to efficiently and economically move maize stover from the field to the factory gate; 2) identify genetic varieties of maize with specific properties attractive for biobased industries and initiate a breeding program to enhance those properties; and 3) evaluate and optimize these systems for economic and environmental sustainability. In 2006, we continued our evaluation of 50 hybrids from a variety of sources for ethanol production potential and demonstrated that there are significant genotypic differences among hybrids for most characteristics related to ethanol production potential. NCCC167 Iowa State University and USDA/ARS Report M. Paul Scott The corn breeding program at Iowa State University involves germplasm enhancement and basic research on quantitative genetic aspects of corn breeding. The focus of this work is on agronomic traits and grain quality traits of economic importance including starch and oil properties and nutritional value. Activities include adaptation of tropical germplasm and developing populations with utility in genomic studies. State-wide corn yield tests are carried out and results are available to the public. Development of corn with altered amino acid content. Mass selection is being used to develop divergent populations containing high or low levels of nutritionally limiting amino acids in grain. The fifth cycle of selection for tryptophan and methionine was carried out this year and the first cycle of selection for lysine was completed. These divergent populations will be valuable resources for genomic studies of amino acid accumulation and for breeding projects with the objective of developing nutritionally improved varieties. In addition, work to produce QPM (quality protein maize) based on the opaque2 (o2) mutation progressed. By crossing elite public inbreds to CIMMYT QPM varieties, we developed breeding populations segregating for the o2 gene as well as endosperm hardness modifiers. The second generation of self pollination with selection for agronomic performance, amino acid balance and grain quality was completed. Finally, we continued to screen GEM lines for unusual amino acid balance. We have identified lines that are suitable for use in amino acid breeding programs. Improving corn stover as a biofuel feedstock. This is a collaborative project involving Iowa State University, the University of Wisconsin, Penn State University, The USDA Dairy Forage Research Center and the USDA Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit. The overall objective of this work is to develop an integrated system for use of corn stover as a biofuel feedstock. Our part of this project involved establishing the feasibility of producing varieties with improved feedstock characteristics through breeding and initiating a breeding program to accomplish this. We carried out a field trial to evaluate 50 varieties predicted to have a range of values as biofuel feedstocks. The objective of this work was to Biomass yield and moisture at harvest was determined. We developed a high-throughput assay to measure suitability for biofuel production and used this assay together with other methods to predict the suitability of entries in the experiment for biofuel production. Preliminary analysis of the data from this experiment suggests that it should be possible to produce varieties with improved utility for a biofuel feedstock. The material produced in this experiment is proving valuable for developing and comparing methods for predicting the efficiency of conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuel. NCCC-167 University of Illinois Report - Martin Bohn Our objectives are to: 1) Improve grain yield and value-added traits of corn; 2) Improve agronomic characteristics of corn including resistance to disease and pests; 3) Provide educational opportunities for students that prepare them for careers in plant breeding, genetics, and plant pathology; 4) Provide continuing educational opportunities for commercial corn breeders. The Illinois Maize Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (IMBGL) organized the 42th Illinois Corn Breeders School held in Urbana, Illinois, March 6-7, 2006. Three sessions covered Maize Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Applied Genetics, and Insect Resistance Traits. The table of contents and the attendance lists of the 2006 Corn Breeders Schools are available at the IMBGL internet site at http://imbgl.cropsci.uiuc.edu/school/program2006.htm. One location of the 700-800 hybrid trial was grown by the University of Illinois in Urbana. In collaboration with Dr. E. Bucklers group (USDA-ARS, Cornell) a set of 6,000 recombinant inbred lines derived from crosses between 25 core diversity lines and inbred B73 were evaluated for a comprehensive set of morphological characteristics and agronomic traits. This data will be used to identify quantitative trait loci by combining QTL and association mapping approaches. The International Plant Breeding Symposium was held in Mexico City, 20-25 August 2006, honoring Dr. J. Dudley, Professor emeritus of Plant Genetics at the University of Illinois and inaugural holder of the Renessen Endowed Chair in Corn Quality Trait Breeding and Genetics. Research results of the Illinois corn breeding and genetics group, including new findings on maize host plant resistance to western corn rootworm larvae feeding, maize root complexity, and cell wall composition, maize tassel and ear architecture, as well as kernel quality, including starch, protein, oil, and vitamin contents, were presented at several national and international conferences, including the Maize Genetics Conference (Asilomar, CA, March 2006), the Symposium on Sustainable Bioenergy Focus on the Future of Biofuels and Chemicals (Urbana, IL, April 13-14, 2006, http://www.sustainablebioenergy.uiuc.edu/presenters.html), the International Plant Breeding Conference (Mexico City, Mexico, August, ), the International Conference of the EUCARPIA Maize and Sorghum Section (Budapest, Hungary, June 20-25, 2006), and the International Working Group of Ostrinia and other Maize Pests - A Global IOBC Working Group (Vienna, Austria, November 5-8, 2006). The maize breeding program has currently five PhD students and one MSc student. This group of students is very international with students from India, Korea, Portugal and the USA. Dr. E. Nunes from the University of Porto, Portugal, joint the Illinois Maize Group as a visiting scientist. During her three month stay Dr. Nunes worked on assessing the genotypic diversity of elite U.S. maize inbreds. NCCC-167 Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center Report - Rich Pratt The OSU maize breeding and genetics program focuses on improvement of maize germplasm for resistance to infection by pathogenic agents causing foliar disease. Research is also conducted to examine compositional traits as they relate to grain quality characteristics suitable for food, feed, and industrial end-uses. Collaborative research is undertaken in projects involving molecular genetics and breeding for organic production systems. IPM-CRSP Project - Verification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Conferring Resistance to Multiple Foliar Pathogens of Maize and their Utility for Marker-Assisted Selection: The project was concluded and the former graduate advisee (Dr. Asea Godfrey) is now employed as a maize breeder with the National Agricultural Research Organization in Uganda. We were able to demonstrate that four of the six consensus QTL conferring resistance to the causal agents of northern corn leaf blight, maize streak, and gray leaf spot could be used for marker-assisted selection in early generations. Narrow-sense heritability estimates were 0.22, 0.25 and 0.39 for MSV, NCLB and GLS, respectively. Analysis of gene action using orthogonal contrasts showed mostly dominant gene action for QTL for all three diseases. The QTL confirmed in this study should affect genetic gain if used as target QTL in a marker-based or marker-assisted breeding program. The progress and costs of these procedures will be compared to determine the highest gain through selection, on a cost basis. Breeding lines with high levels of resistance were intercrossed to begin pyramiding resistance genes and crosses of these lines were made to QPM stocks. Maize Breeding: Grain samples from diverse breeding populations were evaluated for compositional traits using near infro-red transmittance spectroscopy. Observed compositional values (at 15% mois. basis) were as follows: protein 7.8 15.6%, oil 2.9 5.5%, and starch 55 to 65%. Performance evaluations were conducted with testcrosses between OSU breeding lines obtained from a GEM Golden Queen/Non- Reid Yellow Dent population and Iowa Stiff-Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) and Corn Borer Synthetic testers. Selfing and test-cross production continued in other populations. Other specialty product breeding programs are continuing. One testing site near the OARDC is now in transition to organic certification. Unfavorable seasonal conditions were experienced in 2006 field tests in Wooster. Corn Redness Syndrome: Research was conducted on an unidentified, but economically important, disease of maize in cooperation with scientists from the Institute for Plant Protection and the Environment in Zemun, Serbia. It was determined that the disease is caused by the Stolbur phytoplasma and it is transmitted by a planthopper which apparently has undergone a host-shift. The disease was named maize redness in following with the typical observed symptom (reddening of the mid-vein followed by broader reddening of the leaves. Research will continue to further elucidate the epidemiology so that effective integrated pest management procedures may be established. Diagnostic procedures necessary to detect the pathogen are being explored. NCCC167 University of Missouri and USDA/ARS Report - Sherry Flint-Garcia Maize research at the in Columbia Missouri (USDA ARS and University of Missouri) is primarily genetic in nature. Although there is currently no active corn breeding program, several programs have applied projects that require large-scale field trials. These include Mike McMullen (USDA ARS), Sherry Flint-Garcia (USDA ARS), Bruce Hibbard (USDA ARS), and Georgia Davis (University of Missouri, Plant Sciences). Mike McMullen investigates how selection has shaped molecular diversity in maize, and relates molecular diversity to functional phenotypic variation. As part of an NSF grant entitled The Molecular and Functional Diversity of Maize, he has conducted SNP discovery on 4000 loci and, along with Jim Holland and Ed Buckler, has developed a 5000 recombinant inbred line mapping population derived from 25 inbred lines chosen to capture the greatest amount of genetic diversity. Subsequent Nested Association Mapping (NAM) will permit high-power and high-resolution genetic dissection of quantitative traits for maize. Sherry Flint-Garcia utilizes the maize domestication model to identify genes of agronomic importance. Objectives include 1) examining the impact of artificial selection on kernel protein and amino acid composition; and 2) more broadly, diversifying the genetic base of maize by utilizing landraces and teosinte, the ancestor of maize. To accomplish these objectives, she is creating introgression (or NIL) libraries of a number of teosinte and landrace accessions in the B73 background. Bruce Hibbard works on Western Corn Rootworm chemical ecology and host plant resistance, including 1) Identifying, developing and releasing corn germplasm with native resistance to the rootworm; 2) Determining the mechanism(s) of resistance and its inheritance; and 3) Investigating the biology, pest/ host interactions and chemical ecology of the rootworm, especially as they relate to resistance management. Georgia Davis conducts functional genomics of biotic and abiotic stresses: 1) Fungal resistance in maize with emphasis on mechanisms and sources of resistance to Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin production; 2) Insect resistance in maize, specifically fall armyworm and southwestern corn borer and their relationship to juvenility associated traits; and 3) Maize root architecture in relation to drought response. Other active maize researchers in Columbia include: Jim Birchler (Biological Sciences), Ed Coe (professor emeritus), Karen Cone (Biological Sciences), Toni Kazic (Bioinformatics), Gerry Neuffer (professor emeritus), Kathy Newton (Biological Sciences), Henry Nguyen (Plant Sciences), Mel Oliver (Research Leader for the ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit), and Bill Wiebold (Plant Sciences). Maize researchers at MU have been facing reductions in field space beginning last summer. Portions of South Farm (also known as Genetics Farm) have been repossessed by the University for the development of a research park. We are attempting to consolidate all maize programs at one of the two remaining facilities: Bradford Farm and Hinkson Bottom. Unfortunately, Hinkson Bottom is not large enough to accommodate everyone and still maintain a crop rotation with soybean. While Bradford Farm is large enough to accommodate us, they lack the structural facilities to store equipment and support the needs of the approximately 50 people that work the fields during peak pollination. The Maize In Missouri website (www.maizeinmissouri.org) was launched in Fall 2006 to promote collaboration among maize researchers in Missouri. Reflective of our diverse research interests, our motto is From DNA to the Field.

Publications

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

The focus of the Committee is the development and adaptation of corn germplasm to the U.S. NCR and its long-term genetic improvement. This is attained by interaction among researchers of the public and private sectors who have an interest in the theory and application of selection methods for germplasm enhancement, development of screening methods for pest resistance, types of genetic effects important in the inheritance of quantitative traits, breeding methods for development of populations, lines and their hybrids, and the interaction with biotechnology scientists who should be able to design the most appropriate biotechnologies that can be applicable to conventional breeding methods. Objectives are attained by fostering cooperative exchange of information on theoretical and applied breeding and selection methods of lines, hybrids, and germplasm, and evaluation and enhancement of germplasm resources.

Date of Annual Report: 12/09/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/26/2008 - 02/27/2008
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2006 - 10/01/2007

Participants

B. Beavis (Iowa State); M. Bohn (U. of Illinois); S. Flint-Garcia (USDA-ARS Missouri); J. Hawk (U. of Delaware); S. Kaeppler (U of Wisconsin); D. Kendra (USDA Illinois); M. Krakowski (USDA North Carolina); L. Lee (Guelph, Canada); N. de Leon (U. of Wisconsin); R. Pratt (OSU); T. Rocheford (U. of Illinois); P. Scott (USDA-ARS Iowa); B. Tracy (U. of Wisconsin); W. Xu (Texas Tech)

Brief Summary of Minutes

2008
NCCC-167 Corn Breeding Committee
Business Meeting Minutes

Linthicum, Maryland
February 27, 2008

Committee Chair, Martin Bohn brought the meeting to order and presented an outline of items to be discussed.

1. 2007 Official Minutes
The 2007 official minutes were presented as available on the NIMMS website. A motion to accept the minutes was made and seconded, and the minutes were approved.

2. Bill Tracy, Administrative Advisor Report.
The renewal of the project is due soon, and that a writing committee should be appointed. Bill reminded the group that the purpose of a communication committee (CC) is to bring people together for discussion. A discussion of switching back to a Research committee began. Comments made by members of the committee:
" If we want to become a Research committee, we would need a group project to work toward (e.g. the inter-regional variety trials of the previous NCR-167 committee).
" Perhaps being a Research committee would help in obtaining competitive funding for a group breeding project.
" General conclusion was that the overall payoff to become a Research committee is not worth the extra effort.
" Perhaps being a CC is not worth it, and we should simply meet as a group, independent of NIMMS. It was noted that a handful of people in the group receive travel money to attend, and this was reason enough to continue as a CC.
The plan proposal is due in the fall. The chairs of the NC region meet in January.

3. State Reports
State reports are due to Jode Edwards by March 15. Abstracts from the talks are also due to Jode by March 15.

4. Research Project Discussion (continued from larger group discussion during the meeting)
These minutes and notes from previous discussion will be distributed to all attendees to update the larger group on the following discussion points.
Comments from the group regarding community building for our group:
" We should not be US-centric.
" Should we include international/developing countries?
" We need to extend the community. It is best to meet in conjunction with other national meetings, even though we experience meeting burnout.
" The maize genetics community is successful for several reasons including their non-exclusivity and their ability to prioritize the needs of the community as a whole.
" An ad hoc committee should be formed to: 1) identify who the breeders are; 2) send out a survey to understand why breeding research is important, to identify our major limitations, and to define common research projects; and 3) decide on an interim meeting date/location. Then the whole group will vote on the voice of the group.
" An ad hoc committee was appointed: Bill Beavis, Torbert Rocheford, Liz Lee, Wenwei Xu, Jim Hawk, and Bill Tracy. Their charge was to address these action items: 1) define who might be interested in the breeding group; 2) implement a survey of important topics; 3) decide on an interim meeting date and location; and 4) define the mission of the group.
" Should private (i.e. industry) individuals be invited to attend the interim meeting? They may be valuable allies.
" David Kendra pointed out that he was in industry, and thinks they should be included but that we need to strongly encourage them to talk - voice their opinions and get involved in discussions.
" Potential interim meeting date/location: SCCC-80 meeting in Des Moines, June 16-18.

5. Elections:
The following elections were held:
" Writing committee: Bill Beavis and Rich Pratt
" Chair Elect: Liz Lee
Former Chair elect Paul Scott becomes the new Chair.

6. Inter-regional Meetings:
Discussion of whether we should continue with the inter-regional meeting format, i.e. hold meeting in conjunction with the North Eastern group every 4 years. Decision was made to table the discussion until the 2009 meeting.

7. 2009 and 2010 Meetings:
The 2009 Maize Genetics Conference will be held at Pheasant Run in St. Charles, IL. We should hold the NCCC-167 meeting just before the meeting, but try to remain a distinct group by utilizing a different venue nearby.
Liz Lee volunteered to host the 2010 meeting in Guelph, Ontario.
A motion was made and seconded to hold the meeting in Allerton, IL in 2009. All voting members voted in favor of the motion.

8. Yield Trials:
In 2007, Margaret, Marcelo, and Lana conducted the 100-300 yield trials. Do we want to continue testing as a group? The historical production groups are: 100-300 (run from Guelph), 400-600 (run from WI), 700-800 (run from IA), and 800-900. Some people were still interested in the testing program, so those interested in participating will communicate with others in the same production group to coordinate.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, and Meeting was adjourned. A University of Maryland van was used to transport a large number of NCCC-167 meeting attendees to DC for the Maize Genetics Conference.

Minutes prepared by Sherry Flint-Garcia, USDA-ARS.

Accomplishments

Resarch reports from state representatives and others were shared with the group. Since we changed from an "NCR" to an "NCC" committee we are in the process of defining a role for this group, especially in the context of the larger community of maize geneticists. Traditional genetics and breeding are converging in genomic sciences making it important to define the role of NCCC167. An Ad-hoc committe was appointed to define the mission of this group.

Publications

Basso, C.F., M.M. Hurkman, E.S. Riedeman, and W.F. Tracy. 2008. Divergent Selection for Vegetative Phase Change in Maize and Indirect Effects on Response to Puccinia sorghi. Crop sci 48:992-999. Bernardo, R. 2008. Molecular Markers and Selection for Complex Traits in Plants: Learning from the Last 20 Years. Crop sci 48:1649-1664. Chander, S., Y. Guo, X. Yang, J. Zhang, X. Lu, J. Yan, T. Song, T. Rocheford, and J. Li. 2008. Using molecular markers to identify two major loci controlling carotenoid contents in maize grain. TAG Theoretical and Applied Genetics 116:223-233. Edwards, J.W. 2008. Predicted Genetic Gain and Inbreeding Depression with General Inbreeding Levels in Selection Candidates and Offspring. Crop sci 48:2086-2096. Gutierrez-Rojas, A., M.P. Scott, O.R. Leyva, M. Menz, and J. Betran. 2008. Phenotypic Characterization of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Endosperm Modification and Amino Acid Contents in a Segregating Recombinant Inbred Population. Crop Science 48:1714-1722. Lorenz, A.J., M.P. Scott, and K.R. Lamkey. 2008. Genetic variance and breeding potential of phytate and inorganic phosphorus in a maize population. Crop sci 48:79-84. Lorenzana, R.E., and R. Bernardo. 2008. Genetic Correlation between Corn Performance in Organic and Conventional Production Systems. Crop sci 48:903-910. Menkir, A., W. Liu, W.S. White, B. Maziya-Dixon, and T. Rocheford. 2008. Carotenoid diversity in tropical-adapted yellow maize inbred lines. Food chemistry 109:521-529. Nelson, P.T., N.D. Coles, J.B. Holland, D.M. Bubeck, S. Smith, and M.M. Goodman. 2008. Molecular Characterization of Maize Inbreds with Expired U.S. Plant Variety Protection. Crop sci 48:1673-1685. Ni, X., W. Xu, M.D. Krakowsky, G.D. Buntin, S.L. Brown, R.D. Lee, and A.E. Coy. 2007. Field Screening of Experimental Corn Hybrids and Inbred Lines for Multiple Ear-Feeding Insect Resistance. Journal of Economic Entomology 100:1704-1713. Riedeman, E.S., M.A. Chandler, and W.F. Tracy. 2008. Divergent Recurrent Selection for Vegetative Phase Change and Effects on Agronomic Traits and Corn Borer Resistance. Crop sci 48:1723-1731. Scott, M.P., A. Darrigues, T.S. Stahly, and K.R. Lamkey. 2008. Recurrent selection to control grain methionine content and improve nutritional value of maize. Crop Science 48:1705-1713. Wassom, J.J., J.C. Wong, E. Martinez, J.J. King, J. DeBaene, J.R. Hotchkiss, V. Mikkilineni, M.O. Bohn, and T.R. Rocheford. 2008. QTL Associated with Maize Kernel Oil, Protein, and Starch Concentrations; Kernel Mass; and Grain Yield in Illinois High Oil x B73 Backcross-Derived Lines. Crop Sci 48:243-252. Wassom, J.J., V. Mikkelineni, M.O. Bohn, and T.R. Rocheford. 2008. QTL for Fatty Acid Composition of Maize Kernel Oil in Illinois High Oil x B73 Backcross-Derived Lines. Crop sci 48:69-78. Williams, W.P., G.L. Windham, and P.M. Buckley. 2008. Diallel Analysis of Aflatoxin Accumulation in Maize. Crop sci 48:134-138. Williams, C.L., M. Liebman, J.W. Edwards, D.E. James, J.W. Singer, R. Arritt, and D. Herzmann. 2008. Patterns of Regional Yield Stability in Association with Regional Environmental Characteristics. Crop sci 48:1545-1559. Zhang, J., X. Lu, X. Song, J. Yan, T. Song, J. Dai, T. Rocheford, and J. Li. 2008. Mapping quantitative trait loci for oil, starch, and protein concentrations in grain with high-oil maize by SSR markers. Euphytica 162:335-344.

Impact Statements

Research results were reported to the group so group members can benefit from the findings of others. This facilitates cooperative research, which enables scientists to make progress more rapidly and efficiently. Ultimately, this leads to increased yield and quality of the US corn crop.

Date of Annual Report: 04/21/2009

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/10/2009 - 03/12/2009
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 09/01/2008

Participants

Participants Attachment:

Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Illinois Agricultural Experimental Station Submitted by Martin Bohn, Department of Crop Sciences University of Illinois, Champaign, IL Faculty of the corn breeding and genetics group at the University of Illinois - Martin O. Bohn - Dick Johnson - Rita H. Mumm (since 08-2008) - Torbert R. Rocheford (joined Purdue faculty 08-2008) Emeritus Faculty - J.W. Dudley - R. Lambert Our Objectives - Improve grain yield and value-added traits of corn. - Improve agronomic characteristics of corn including resistance to disease and pests. - Provide educational opportunities for students that prepare them for careers in plant breeding, genetics, and plant pathology. - Provide continuing educational opportunities for commercial corn breeders. Program Highlights - The Illinois Plant Breeding Center was established (see http://plantbreeding.illinois.edu). Dr. Rita Mumm is the director of this new center. - The Illinois Maize Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (IMBGL) organized the 44th Illinois Corn Breeders' School held in Champaign, Illinois, March 3-4, 2008. This CBS was attended by more than 200 corn breeders and geneticists from the public and private sector. Highlight of the CBS was an Open Forum and Panel discussion on 'How Public and Private Sector Can Effectively Work Together to Enhance Support for Maize Breeding and Genetics Education and Translational Research'. The CBS also featured a mini session on heterosis. More detailed information is available at the Illinois corn breeding and genetics laboratory (IMBGL) internet site (http://imbgl.cropsci.illinois.edu/index.html). - Research results of the Illinois corn breeding and genetics group, including new findings on maize host plant resistance to western corn rootworm larvae feeding, maize root complexity, and cell wall composition, maize tassel and ear architecture, as well as kernel quality, including starch, protein, oil, and vitamin contents, were presented at several national and international conferences, including the 45th Illinois Corn Breeders' School (Champaign, IL, March 2008), Annual NCCC-167 Meeting (Baltimore, MD, March 2008), Maize Genetics Conference (Washington, DC, March 2008), DIABR-ACT- Harmonize the Strategies for Fighting Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Goettingen, Germany, May 2008), Joint Meeting of 'Gesellschaft fuer Pflanzenzuechtung e.V.' and 'Deutsches Maiskomitee e.V.' (Stuttgart, Germany, June 2008), Agronomy Day of the College of ACES/UIUC (Urbana, IL, August 2008), 2008 Annual ASA-CSSA-SSSA Meeting (Houston, TX, October 2008), International Conference on Conventional and Molecular Breeding of Field and Vegetable Crops (Novi Sad, Serbia, November 2008), Germplasm Enhancement in Maize Annual Meetings (Chicago, IL, December, 2008), and at multiple departmental seminar series (University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, National Taiwan University) - The maize breeding program has currently five PhD students and four MS students. Minnesota Station Report Submitted by Rex Bernardo Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN Mission and Program Description My mission at the University of Minnesota is (i) to discover new ways of breeding corn, (ii) to breed corn for new uses, and (iii) to educate future plant breeders. My current research focuses on exploiting cheap and abundant molecular markers in corn breeding, breeding for dwarf corn, and the prospects of breeding corn for both grain yield and stover quality for cellulosic ethanol. My work involves theoretical research, computer simulation, molecular marker analysis, and field experimentation. 2008 Program Highlights - Published a major invited review entitled Molecular markers and selection for complex traits: Learning from the last 20 years in Crop Science. Plant breeders have learned how to routinely map quantitative trait loci (QTL) but the great majority of QTL remain unexploited in breeding programs. I speculated that future applications for complex traits will likely focus on predictive methodologies for marker-based selection prior to phenotyping and for marker-based selection without QTL mapping. These applications will take advantage of cheaper costs of genotyping than of phenotyping. - Conducted research on the choice of generation for inducing doubled haploids in maize. Previous studies have suggested that the low frequency of recombinants in doubled haploids may reduce the response to selection. From simulation studies, I found that selection responses were up to 4-6% higher when doubled haploids were induced from F2 plants instead of the usual F1 plants. If year-round nurseries are used and new F1 crosses for inbred development are initially created on a speculative basis, the development of doubled haploids from F2 rather than F1 plants should not cause a delay in inbred development. - Patricio Mayor (Ph.D. student, funded by his company Syngenta Seeds) and I continued our studies on the joint use of doubled haploids and molecular markers in maize breeding. We found that doubled haploid populations are most useful in genomewide selection and marker-assisted recurrent selection for traits controlled by many QTL and with low heritability but have limited value over F2 populations in detecting major QTL for introgression. Patricio and I have also submitted a manuscript that describes an empirical evaluation of the doubled haploid + marker-assisted breeding schemes that we have investigated. - Completed the phenotypic analysis (M.S. thesis of Magan Lewis) and the marker analysis (part of Ph.D. thesis of Robenzon Lorenzana) for our USDA-funded research on Strategies for using molecular markers to simultaneously improve corn grain yield and stover quality for ethanol production. Magan found high heritabilities and favorable genetic correlations among traits and concluded that there is no genetic impediment to breeding corn for both grain yield and stover quality for ethanol. Benzon did not find any major QTL for any of the stover quality traits and found that predictions of genotypic value were more accurate if the predictions were based on all available markers rather than only the markers with significant effects. The research has now transitioned to marker-based selection for grain yield, agronomic traits, and stover-quality traits. This research on marker-based selection will be part of Jon Massman's Ph.D. thesis. - Recruited two new students in addition to Jon Massman. Cathrine Ziyomo (Zimbabwe) is a Ph.D. student supported by an AgGrad (Methodist Church) fellowship. Cathrine will work on the breeding and genetics of both N-use efficiency and drought tolerance in maize. Christopher Schaeffer (Minnesota) is an M.S. student supported by a Pioneer Hi-Bred Plant Breeding Fellowship. Chris will be working on response to selection for hybrid grain yield and agronomic traits in dwarf corn, as well as forage quality of dwarf corn. - Bruno Poupard, a visiting scientist in my program, finished his research on machine-learning methods in marker-assisted selection. Bruno found that machine-learning methods are not any better than statistics-based methods that are already in place for marker-based selection. <BRMissouri Station Report Submitted by Sherry Flint-Garcia USDA-ARS Columbia, MO Mission and Program Descriptions Maize research at the in Columbia Missouri (USDA ARS and University of Missouri) is primarily genetic in nature. Although there is currently no active corn breeding program, several programs have applied projects that require large-scale field trials. These include Mike McMullen (USDA ARS), Sherry Flint-Garcia (USDA ARS), Bruce Hibbard (USDA ARS), and Georgia Davis (University of Missouri, Plant Sciences). Other active maize researchers in Columbia and/or the ARS Plant Sciences Research Unit include: Jim Birchler (Biological Sciences), Ed Coe (professor emeritus), Toni Kazic (Bioinformatics), Gerry Neuffer (professor emeritus), Kathy Newton (Biological Sciences), and Mel Oliver (Research Leader for the ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit). Ivan Baxter joined ARS located at the Danforth Center in St. Louis, with plans to work on maize genetics beginning in summer 2009. 2008 Program Highlights Mike McMullen: To access the extensive genetic variation present in maize inbred lines, Mike and ARS scientists at Ithaca NY and Raleigh NC have developed a new genetic resource to enable joint linkage-association analysis called nested association mapping (NAM). To form the NAM population, 25 extremely diverse inbred maize lines were crossed to the B73 reference line, and 5000 recombinant inbred lines were created. The NAM genetic map consists of 1106 loci, and has a total genetic length of 1400 cM making it the most powerful genetic resource for the dissection of complex agronomic traits for any species. The NAM population has been phenotyped in multiple environments for up to 30 traits. As an example of the power of NAM, the analysis of flowering time has resulted in identification of ~ 50 loci controlling the variation in flowering time across maize inbred lines. The NAM population has been deposited in the Maize Genetic Stock Center and has been adopted by the maize community as the central genetic resource for trait characterization. Sherry Flint-Garcia: Sherry has developed ten introgression libraries of teosinte, each derived by backcrossing a different teosinte accession into B73, an elite maize inbred line. Eight of these libraries comprising 640 maize lines have been characterized with molecular markers to define which chromosomal regions are from the teosinte parent. Each line contains an average of 3 different chromosomal segments encompassing ~4% of the teosinte genome. A subset of five populations was evaluated for disease resistance and other agronomic traits. The development and evaluation of these maize-teosinte insertion libraries will enable geneticists to test hypotheses regarding the impact of domestication on corn improvement, and breeders to reintroduce valuable genetic variation into maize germplasm for very specific genomic regions. Bruce Hibbard: Transgenic corn that controls the corn rootworm is a viable alternative to insecticides for managing the most economically important pests of corn. The agricultural industry has adopted a high dose/refuge strategy as a means of delaying the onset of insect resistance to transgenic crops, but the Bt corn products developed for corn rootworm control have been introduced with less than high-dose. Bruce has developed colonies of the western corn rootworm that survived the Bt product in the greenhouse along with an unselected colony. After three generations of full larval rearing on Bt corn, rootworm larvae survived equally on Bt and susceptible corn in greenhouse trials. In dose-response assays with the protein from the Bt corn on artificial diet, the dose of toxin required to kill half the population was 22-fold greater for the selected colony than the unselected colony. After six generations of greenhouse selection, larval recovery on Bt corn as a ratio of larval recovery on susceptible corn in the field was 11.7-fold greater for the selected colony than the unselected colony. The results suggest that rapid response to selection is possible in the absence of mating with unselected beetles, emphasizing the importance of effective refuges for resistance management. Impact Maize research at Missouri may be described as ranging from basic biology to applied quantitative trait analysis. Members of the four large-scale projects focus on trait dissection for corn rootworm, drought, insect, and disease resistance, all traits that impact maize production. All four projects also utilize diverse germplasm (inbred lines, landraces, and teosinte) to identify germplasm with novel alleles for trait improvement. Although Missouri does not have a corn breeding program per se, we are making great strides in understanding the genetic basis of traits of economic value while evaluating diverse germplasm that is critical for diversifying the genetic base of corn. New York State Report Submitted by Margaret Smith Cornell University Ithaca, NY In 2008, we started off with generally dry weather in May that helped with getting the corn crop in the ground in a timely manner. Temperatures were a bit cool but overall conditions for planting were good. Temperatures were above long-term averages around the state in June and July, with some record-breaking heat in the central region of the state in early June. Rainfall was above average for June and quite a bit above average for July. The Champlain Valley in June and Central Lakes area in July were especially wet. A storm with very high winds passed through northern New York in mid July, knocking down large trees in the Chazy area. Seasonal or slightly cool temperatures prevailed in August, with rainfall about average in much of the state. Conditions were a bit dry in the St. Lawrence Valley and a bit wet in the western part of the state. September was generally a bit warmer than long-term averages and tended to be dry. The southeast corner of the state was wet, probably due to effects of tropical storm Hanna early in the month, which also caused lodging in the Hudson Valley. Winds from the edges of Hurricane Ike caused stalk lodging pressure around central and northern parts of the state, particularly at Sackets Harbor. As we moved into October, temperatures were a bit cool and conditions were wetter than long-term averages, slowing grain dry-down and harvest operations. The last week of October brought considerable rain and snow. A foot of snow on the hurricane-lodged corn near Sackets Harbor caused some losses. With cool conditions continuing into November, much corn around the state stayed standing in the field later than usual and harvest continued slowly. By early fall, rust and eyespot were common in central and northern parts of the state, and anthracnose leaf blight and gray leaf spot were present in central and southern parts of the state. Northern leaf blight and European corn borer were noticeable at isolated locations. Overall, there were 1.13 million acres of corn planted in the state. Of this total, 445,000 acres were harvested as silage and the state average silage yield was 20 tons/acre, which topped the previous record of 18 tons/acre in 2006. Another 640,000 acres were harvested as grain. Despite the challenging harvest conditions, the state average corn grain yield was reported as 144 bu/acre; 15 bu/A above the previous state record grain yield from 2006! North Dakota Report Submitted by Marcelo Carena North Dakota State University BRIEF SUMMARY OF RESULTS During 2007-2008, nine corn products were developed and released as new sources of early maturing and genetically diverse germplasm. These new cultivars were requested by 21 public and private institutions so far. The project has achieved the goals proposed because of activities that have integrated pre-breeding with cultivar development. The project has focused on corn germplasm adaptation and improvement, inbred line development, extensive hybrid testing of NDSU lines and industry lines, and continuous training of applied corn breeders. Corn breeding and testing efforts have significantly increased. The program has conducted 65 replicated experiments in 2008 including 22,360 plots across 22 locations, an expansion from <5,000 plots across five locations before 1999. Compared to top industry checks top NDSU hybrids had over 200% better drought and cold tolerance (through traditional breeding approaches and unique testing locations, e.g. high Montana elevations, western ND), over 150% improvement in grain moisture at harvest and fast dry down (especially in 2008), and over 110% on test weight, lodging resistance, extractable and fermentable starch, grain oil, grain protein, and over 105% for grain yield under dry land and, especially, under irrigated conditions. Most of these lines have been advanced for more multi-location, multi-trait, and multi-stage evaluation in 2009. We have initiated and continued extensive partnerships with seed companies on testers, technology access (e.g. GMO, double-haploids, SNP marker technology, robotics), breeding approaches to drought tolerance, value added traits (e.g. starch utilization), test weight, and fast dry down with traditional and modern technologies. As a consequence of our trip to southern MN (Olivia, MN) breeding access to germplasm resulted to be very successful. Four graduate students, one research specialist, and several trainees were mentored in our breeding program during this period. National and international visitors were hosted and walked our nurseries, including representatives from major U.S. companies. The breeding program, through its activities, has also directly served several graduate advanced teaching courses (e.g. genetics and plant improvement, quantitative genetics, crop breeding techniques, and advanced plant breeding). Without exceptions, early maturing hybrids including NDSU experimental lines showed better performance than industry hybrids in 2008 which shows the importance of the need to have reliable and stable early maturing hybrids developed exclusively for ND environmental conditions exclusively. ND challenging conditions were especially present in 2008. Data of all experiments are available upon request. Scientific peer-review publications, plenary lectures, and scientific oral presentations are also available upon request. Five manuscripts were published or accepted for publication from former graduate students (two from Eno, one from Sezegen, one from Osorno, one from Jumbo). M. Melani is the only former graduate student from the NDSU corn breeding program that has not published his research and it is, therefore, the exception. Student work by Eno and Yang has actively assisted in the release publication of four early maturing inbred lines and four early maturing populations. Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center Submitted by Rich Pratt Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH Mission and Program Description The OSU maize breeding and genetics program focuses on improvement of maize germplasm for resistance to infection by pathogenic agents causing foliar disease. Research is also conducted to examine compositional traits as they relate to grain quality characteristics suitable for food, feed, and industrial end-uses. Collaborative research is undertaken in projects involving molecular genetics and breeding for organic production systems. I advise graduate students, serve on graduate student advisory committees, teach two graduate level courses, and serve as Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee. Program Highlights, March 2008 to February 2009 IPM-CRSP Project: - Verification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Conferring Resistance to Multiple Foliar Pathogens of Maize and their Utility for Marker-Assisted Selection: The original project was concluded and the former graduate advisee (Dr. Asea Godfrey) has become the Director of the Cereals Program (maize and rice) for the National Agricultural Research Organization in Uganda. The first publication from his dissertation research will be published in Phytopathology (please see below). Breeding lines with high levels of resistance were intercrossed to begin pyramiding resistance genes and crosses of these lines were made to QPM stocks and to Corn Belt testers. Further research and breeding will be conducted be continued as part of a new IPM CRSP project. Maize Breeding - Grain samples from diverse populations were evaluated for compositional traits. A large range of phenotypic values were observed. A new Foss InfraXact is being used and the Tecator 1225 has been updated with new calibrations from ISU. Observed compositional values for breeding lines evaluated in 2008 (at 0% mois. basis) were as follows: protein 13.3 to 16.6%, oil 3.4 to 5.1%, and starch 64.0 to 67.7% (B73 values were 12.6%, 4.4, and 67.7%, respectively). Performance evaluations were conducted at two locations in Ohio and in the 700-800 maturity test in Texas, Georgia, and Ohio. Testcrosses between OSU breeding lines were made with Iowa Stiff-Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) and Corn Borer Synthetic testers. Selfing and test-cross production continued in other populations. Other specialty breeding programs are continuing. One testing site is now in transition to organic certification. High wind conditions following Hurricane Ike were experienced in 2008 field tests in Wooster and at South Charleston. Host Resistance Research - Corn Redness Syndrome: Research on maize redness (causal agent is the stolbur phytoplasma) continued in cooperation with scientists at the Institute for Plant Protection and the Environment in Zemun, Serbia. The epidemiology of the disease has now been described and will be published in Phytopathology (please see below). Diagnostic procedures necessary to detect the pathogen are being established and research to examine the genetically variable genomic regions of maize bushy stunt and the Stolbur phytoplasmas is underway. Sequencing of the complete genomes of maize bushy stunt phytoplasma and stolbor phytoplasma have has been initiated. Significant Accomplishments and Impacts: IPM-CRSP Project - Research has contributed to our understanding of host responses to infection, assisted the development of effective selection protocols, and increased our understanding of the number and action of genes for resistance. More efficient and expedient development of maize that can resist yield loss will result. Host Resistance - Research has established the causal agents, insect vector, and epidemiology of maize redness in Serbia. Management and breeding approaches to address disease losses can now be formulated. Wisconsin Annual Report Submitted by Natalia de Leon University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI The overall goal of our research program is to develop germplasm and scientific information that support the use of corn for silage and as a feedstock for the biofuel industry. Current Research Projects: 1. Corn silage breeding program: The University of Wisconsin operates a corn silage breeding program focused on the development of corn varieties with enhanced compositional attributes and forage yield. One important source of germplasm of this breeding program is the Wisconsin Quality Synthetic (WQS), specifically designed to produce high-quality inbreds for use as parents for silage hybrids. WQS is continuously improved using a S2-testcross recurrent selection breeding method, and inbreds derived from succeeding cycles of improvement are developed to the S6 stage and released (See http://cornbreeding.wisc.edu/). The nutritional improved characteristic of WQS germplasm are low neutral detergent fiber (NDF), high in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), high NDF digestibility (NDFD), and low lignin concentration. Crosses derived from WQS C3 were evaluated in our 2008 summer trials, and additional S6 lines will be available for release Fall 2009. During summer 2007 the 20 best S2 families from WQS C3 were recombined to create WQS C4. A set of 200 S1s from WQS C4 were developed during the winter nursery of 2007-08 from this later cycle and visually evaluated during the 2008 summer nursery for per se agronomic performance. A selected subset of those lines was selfed during summer 2008 and testcrossed during winter nursery 2008-09 for evaluation during summer 2009. 2. Evaluation of S2-topcross selection for silage quality in the Wisconsin Quality Synthetic (WQS) corn population: WQS was evaluated after the second cycle of selection by Frey et al. (2004). While selection was successful for several silage quality traits, many of the changes were not statistically significant, and it was not clear if increases in silage quality could be attributed to increased digestibility of the stover or an increased contribution from the highly digestible ear. The primary objective of M.S. student Tim Gustafson research project was to evaluate the forage yield and quality attributes of the WQS population after the fourth cycle of selection on both a whole plant and stover level to further investigate the trends previously seen. In summer 2007, cycles 0 through 3 of the WQS (WQS C0 and WQS C3, respectively) population per se as well as respective testcrosses to two stiff-stalk testers, LH244 and LH332. The entire experiment was done in triplicate: one trial (WQS WP) for whole plant silage analysis, a second trial (WQS ST) with ears stripped at silage stage for stover analysis, and a third trial (WQS BIOFEED) ear-stripped and harvested at physiological maturity. WQS BIOFEED was investigated for changes in stover composition at full maturity during the selection process for silage stage traits. Forage and grain yields, quality composition and other agronomic traits were evaluated. Results from that evaluation indicate that significant linear improvement was seen in whole-plant yield, stover yield, and whole-plant quality both in the population per se and in testcrosses. Starch content has increased in whole-plant samples while ear percent has remained relatively constant suggesting an increase in the grain-to-cob ratio. Overall milk yield on a Mg of dry matter and on a hectare bases have increased with selection. Changes in silage dry matter yield have been greater on a percent basis than changes in silage quality suggesting that the current selection protocol of selecting S2 topcrosses first for yield then for quality may be more efficient at improving yield. A separate selection directly focused on stover quality may be necessary if more rapid improvement in stover composition is desired. 3. Quantitative trait loci controlling yield and feedstock quality: Corn stover has been identified as an important feedstock for production of cellulosic ethanol in North America. In this study, Ph.D. student, Aaron Lorenz evaluated 206 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the intermated B73/Mo17 (IBM) population on a per se basis. A subset of the above RILs was testcrossed to a common inbred tester and 127 of those hybrids were also evaluated. Traits assessed included stover yield, theoretical ethanol potential and other relevant stover constituents. Results from this research indicate that no undesirable correlations were observed between agronomic and cell wall traits. QTL were identified for all traits evaluated, but few QTL were in common between inbred per se and testcross evaluations, despite moderate to high genotypic correlations between progeny types. This study provides information that will support the development of dual-purpose corn hybrids that are high in grain yield and also high in yield of digestible cellulosic feedstock. 4. Diallel experiment evaluating dry tonnage contribution and quality of corn stover for biofuel: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the compositional attributes of leaf blade, leaf sheath, stalk, cob, midrib and husk fractions of 23 hybrids. Plants were harvested and dissected into the aforementioned parts at four developmental stages corresponding to V3, V12, R3 and R6. Tissues were dried and ground for compositional analysis, which included neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and in vitro ruminal digestibility. Preliminary results for NDF and ADF indicate significant differences among hybrids for most plant parts. Stalk was the largest fraction of whole plant dry matter at R6 and stalk ADF was associated with whole plant ADF at R6. For stalk ADF, no association was found between early developmental stages (V3 and V12) and R6, suggesting that phenotyping for quality at early stages of development is not indicative of quality at R6. Plant part-by-entry and plant part-by-location interactions were significant in R6 and indicate that the relative quality of hybrids could significantly depend on the plant part evaluated and the relative quality of plant parts could significantly depend on the growing environment. 5. Evaluation of endogenous modifiers of expression of grassy tillers1 mutant: The ability to increase plant biomass per acre of land is an ever-growing concern as the biofuel industry continues to expand. Our hypothesis is that lateral branch (tiller) formation is one important method to increase biomass production in corn. Grassy tillers1 (gt1) effects lateral branch development in corn. The goal of this study is to characterize the phenotype and expression pattern of gt1 in backgrounds with varying penetrance, to better understand how it can be used in breeding programs to increase biomass production per unit of area. Two field trials were conducted to answer some more specific questions. I. Effect of density on biomass yield of tillering and non-tillering morphologies II. Effect of row-crop versus equivalent spacing on biomass production potential 6. Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC): Two primary areas of research are being sponsored by the GLBRC for our group in collaboration with Shawn Kaeppler and Heidi Kaeppler. I) Development of rapid-cycling, small statured corn varieties. The goal of this project is to develop rapid flowering, small-statured varieties of corn amenable to high-throughput genetic analysis in controlled environments and at locations without access to agronomic production fields. II) Exploitation of the endogenous genetic variation of corn to identify genes related to important traits for the improvement in the utilization of biomass as a source of feedstock for the biofuel industry. The aim of this project is to identify the genetic locations of genes that explain the differences among diverse corn genotypes.

Publications

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Research results were reported to the group so group members can benefit from the findings of others. This facilitates cooperative research, which enables scientists to make progress more rapidly and efficiently. Ultimately, this leads to increased yield and quality of the US corn crop.

Date of Annual Report: 07/08/2010

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 04/05/2010 - 04/07/2010
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2009 - 11/01/2010

Participants

Scientists:
Flint-Garcia, Sherry - USDA-ARS
Pratt, Rich - The Ohio State Univ.
Thro, Ann Marie - USDA-NIFA
Goldstein, Walter - Michael Fields Institute
Xu, Wenwei - Texas Tech
Scott, Paul - USDA-ARS
Bohn, Martin - Univ. of Illinois
Uphaus, Jim - AgReliant
Tracy, Bill - Univ. of Wisconsin
Carena, Marcelo - North Dakota State Univ.
Schnable, Pat - Iowa State Univ.
Edwards, Jode - USDA-ARS
Lee, Liz - Univ. of Guelph
Rocheford, Torbert - Purdue Univ.
Tuinstra, Mitch - Purdue Univ.
Kaeppler, Shawn - Univ. of Wisconsin
Bernardo, Rex - Univ. of Minnesota
Gardner, Candy - USDA-ARS
deLeon, Natalia - Univ. of Wisconsin
Lorenz, Aaron - Univ. of Nebraska
Blanche, Brooks - Louisiana State Univ.
Troyer, Forest - Independent

Students and Technical Staff:
Burt, Andrew - Univ. of Guelph
Sharma, Santosh - North Dakota State Univ.
Yang, Junyun - North Dakota State Univ.
Viesselmann, Leah - Univ. of Wisconsin
Reiderman, Eric - Univ. of Wisconsin
Flannery, Pat - Univ. of Wisconsin
Dodson, Hallie - Univ. of Wisconsin
Rice, Reid - Univ. of Wisconsin
Trimble, Loren - Univ. of Wisconsin
Hauck, Andrew - Univ. of Illinois
Marroquin, Juan - Univ. of Illinois

Brief Summary of Minutes

NCCC167 Business Meeting Minutes
April 6, 2010, Four Points Sheraton at O'Hare

Attendees:
Public: Sherry Flint-Garcia, Rich Pratt, Wenwei Xu, Paul Scott, Martin Bohn, Jim Uphaus, Marcelo Carena, Pat Schnable, Jode Edwards, Liz Lee, Torbert Rocheford, Mitch Tuinstra, Shawn Kaeppler, Rex Bernardo, Candy Gardner, Natalia deLeon, Aaron Lorenz, Brooks Blanche
Private: Walter Goldstein
Administrators: Ann Marie Thro, Bill Tracy

Meeting was called to order by the chair, Liz Lee, at 5:10 pm

The 2010 business meeting agenda was approved.

Treasurer's Report:
Meeting began with a balance of $0.
Cost of the 2010 meeting is estimated to be $2829.
Incoming registration fees are estimated to be $3740.
Balance after 2010 meeting should be approximately $911.

Secretary's Report:
The 2009 minutes were sent to committee members for comments. No comments were received. Minutes were submitted as part of the annual report.
A motion was made to approve the minutes from the 2009. Approved unanimously.

Old Business:

Corn Breeding Executive Committee
At the 2009 meeting, we formed the CBEC (Sherry Flint-Garcia, Martin Bohn, Paul Scott, Travis Frey, and Tom Brutnell).
What is the status of the CBEC? What has been accomplished?
Sherry prepared and sent out rough drafts of the Corn Breeding Mission Statement and CBC Bylaws to the CBEC members in January 2010. No comments were received from the rest of the committee prior to the meeting. Sherry will print proposed bylaws and mission statement for the entire group, and a vote will be held on Wednesday before the meeting is adjourned.

New Business:

1. Station Reports:
Bill Tracy to send Station Report Template to committee members.
Ann Marie "Overall impact statement for the whole group is critical."
Add a bragging statement to the annual report.

2. Committee Reports:
700-800 Relative Maturity Trial report. Rich to send the 2008 regional testing report for the 700-800 relative maturity yield trial.

3. Benefits of keeping the NCCC-167 designation (Anne Marie Thro):
Anne Marie reported on the purpose and rationale for regional projects such as NCCC167.
Hatch funds define the State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAES). Multi-state research projects are the best way to justify Hatch funds to universities and SAES. The state is required to provide a 100% match for Hatch funds. 25% of the Hatch money must go to multi-state research projects. The structure of the NCCC-167 project allows NIFA to contact researchers directly regarding NIFA -- this is a communication tool for NIFA.
Discussion of which committee members obtain funds from their institution to travel to meeting. Rich (OSU), Martin (UICU), and Natalia (UW) do receive travel funds.
How are we to report our activities? If any salary (PI, technician, or grad student) or field plots funded by Hatch money supports your research, you should cite this support as "Hatch Funds" in publications and presentations.
Anne Marie suggested we include our concerns of the structure of the NCCC-167 project in the Project Renewal draft.

4. Fate of NCCC-167 Status:
Shawn is willing to write the renewal of the project. Benefits of keeping the NCCC-167 designation and structure include 1) keep our annual meetings going, 2) support other systems such as NCRPIS, and 3) maintain Hatch projects instead of making all NIFA money competitive. Disadvantages include 1) extra paperwork that no one wants to do and 2) the restrictive timeframe for meeting dates and report dates.
Walter (Michael Fields Institute) says NGOs support Hatch projects like NCCC167
Jode says that SAES-affiliated members should drive the program (host and run the meetings, submit project plans, submit annual reports).
After much discussion, there was a consensus to maintain the NCCC-167 project. Shawn will write the project renewal.

5. Fate of germplasm at "closed" programs
There has been a loss of germplasm recently at NE, SD, MO, LA, and Penn State due to faculty retirements and departures. What should be done with their germplasm, especially if they have not prepared it prior to their departure?
Often there is a lack of institutional commitment to sorting out cold storage, rather than just dumping the seed. A motion was made to for a subcommittee to draft guidelines for closing out programs.

6. Chair, location, date and format for 2011 meeting
Natalia de Leon will chair the next meeting. The meeting will be held just prior to the Maize Genetics Conference in St. Charles, IL on March 16-17.
Attendees liked the chalk-talk format of the current (2010) meeting, so the 2011 meeting will likely incorporate this format. Also, a priority should be given to graduate student talks.

A motion was made to suspend the meeting until Wednesday morning to allow the group to view and modify the CBEC Bylaws. Meeting suspended at 6:20.

Meeting resumed on Wednesday morning at 10:30 am. Bylaws were presented and discussed. Modifications were made and accepted by the group. See attachment.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 am.

Minutes prepared by Sherry Flint-Garcia

--------------------------
NCCC-167 Annual Meeting Agenda
Sheraton Four-Points Hotel at the Chicago O'Hare Airport
Chicago, IL
April 6-7, 2010

Tuesday Morning

8:00-9:00 Continental breakfast & registration

9:00-9:30
Unprecedented levels of copy number variation (CNV) and presence/absence variation (PAV) for maize genes among inbreds
Pat Schnable
Iowa State University

9:30-10:00
Genetic architecture of (kernel quality in the nested association mapping (NAM) population
Sherry Flint-Garcia
USDA-ARS Columbia, MO

10:00-10:30
Resources for maize association analysis.
Shawn Kaeppler, Candy Hansey, James Johnson, Rajan Sekhon, & Natalia de Leon
University of Wisconsin-Madison

10:30-10:45 Coffee Break

10:45-11:15
Genetic background effects on phenotypic and genotypic expression of Cg1 in maize.
Eric S Riedeman
University of Wisconsin-Madison

11:15-11:45
Allele mining in exotic maize germplasm to enhance macular carotenoids.
Andrew Burt & Elizabeth Lee
University of Guelph

11:45-12:15
Translation of genomic information into products via maize breeding and genetics.
Martin Bohn
University of Illinois

12:15-1:30 Buffet Lunch

Tuesday Afternoon

1:30-4:00 Round Table Scientific Discussion

A few years ago we decided that it would be a useful exercise to talk about some of the research that is preliminary in our programs and whatever else is on your mind. The intent is to bounce ideas off of people, but it is also an opportunity to explore areas where we might collaborate, interact with the genetics community and with industry. So each representative will be given roughly 20 mins. to talk about some of their early-stage research projects or whatever else is on their minds. I will allow slides, but this is an informal discussion, so NO FORMAL PRESENTATIONS. We will probably break for coffee around 2:45 pm.

4:30-5:30 Business Meeting Agenda
Approval of agenda
Treasurer's report
Secretary's report
The advisor's report - Bill Tracy
Old Business
New Business
Station Reports
Committee reports
Benefits of keeping the NCCC167 designation - Ann Marie Thro
Fate of NCCC-167 status
Chair for next year's meeting
Location of next year's meeting
Date for next year's meeting
Format for next year's meeting

Wednesday Morning

8:00-8:30 Continental breakfast & registration

8:30-9:00
Improvement in adaptation to high plant density in the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic maize population.
Jode Edwards
Iowa State University

9:00-9:30
NDSU early GEM program: moving GEM germplasm northward and westward.
Sharma, S. & M.J. Carena.
NDSU

9:30-10:00
Working toward an easier way to measure rate of dry down in corn inbreds and hybrids.
Yang, J, J. Uphaus, & M.J. Carena.
NDSU

10:00-10:30 Coffee Break

10:30-11:00
Use of tropical germplasm to improve stress tolerance and aflatoxin accumulation in corn.
Wenwei Xu, Gary Odvody, Paul Williams, & Mike Blanco.
Texas A&M et al.

11:00-11:30
Differential zein protein levels in a su1 population divergently selected for visual endosperm starchiness
Leah Viesselmann
University of Wisconsin-Madison

11:30-12:00
Diversity of Arido-American Maize Germplasm
Rich Pratt
The Ohio State University

Adjourned

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Individual research project results were reported to the group so group members can benefit from the findings of others. This facilitates cooperative research, which enables public corn breeding to make progress more rapidly and efficiently. Ultimately, this leads to increased yield and quality of the US corn crop.
Plans were discussed to submit a CAP proposal to the USDA AFRI Competitive Grants Program. The objectives of the proposal are to characterize maize and sorghum germplasm collections, develop genomic-selection models and genome-wide association statistics for traits related to drought and heat tolerance, compare breeding strategies and develop resources to facilitate transfer of novel alleles into maize and sorghum, and conduct integrated education and recruitment activities in plant breeding.

Date of Annual Report: 05/20/2011

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/16/2011 - 03/20/2011
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2010 - 09/01/2011

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Promote and raise awareness of plant breeding through the active interaction of NCR representatives with the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee (SCC 80) plant breeding institutes, and international consortiums and disseminate information from annual meetings worldwide. Interact with other Multistate Research Committees (e.g., NCR-25, NEC- 29) and other important groups (Maize Genetics) to stay abreast of the latest research of disciplines that are important in corn breeding; Assess biotechnology tools, breeding methods, and potential profitable alternatives for impact in corn breeding; and Train the next generation of corn breeders

Publications

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

1. Individual research project results were reported to the group so group members can benefit from the findings of others. This facilitates cooperative research, which enables public corn breeding to make progress more rapidly and efficiently. Ultimately, this leads to increased yield and quality of the US corn crop.