UD researchers uncover the genetics of how corn can adapt faster to new climates
UD researchers uncover the genetics of how corn can adapt faster to new climates
Maize is a staple food all over the world. In the United States, where it’s better known as corn, nearly 90 million acres were planted in 2018, earning $47.2 billion in crop cash receipts.
But, under the effects of climate change, this signature crop may not fare so well. As the world tries to feed a population skyrocketing to nine billion by 2050, that has major implications. So, what can we do about it? The answer might be exotic.
A multi-institutional team led by University of Delaware plant geneticist Randy Wisser decoded the genetic map for how maize from tropical environments can be adapted to the temperate U.S. summer growing season. Wisser sees these exotic varieties, which are rarely used in breeding, as key to creating next-era varieties of corn.
Read more at University Of Delaware
Image: Strains differ by all kinds of traits, including seed color. Sifting individuals that carry desired variations is used to enrich genes that underlie specific traits in order to create new breeds. CREDIT: University Of Delaware
