Scientists at UA, collaborating institutions decode maize genome
Scientists from the University of Arizona led by Arizona Genomics Institute director Rod A. Wing and from collaborating institutions have deciphered the complete genetic code of the maize plant for the first time. view more (2009-11-20)
Maize cell wall genes identified, giving boost to biofuel research
Purdue University scientists have helped identify and group the genes thought to be responsible for cell wall development in maize, an effort that expands their ability to discover ways to produce the biomass best suited for biofuels production. view more (2009-11-20)
New map of variation in maize genetics holds promise for developing new varieties
A new study of maize has identified thousands of diverse genes in genetically inaccessible portions of the genome. New techniques may allow breeders and researchers to use this genetic variation to identify desirable traits and create new varieties that were not easily possible before. view more (2009-11-20)
New Maize Map to Aid Plant Breeding Efforts
In a massive survey of genetic diversity in maize, also known as corn, researchers across the United States, have developed a gene map that should pave the way to significant improvements in a plant that is a major source of food, fuel, animal feed and fiber around the world. view more (2009-11-20)
Wild pigs and deer do not spread GM corn via feces or accumulate transgenic residues in meat
Deer stew, roast of wild boar, venison ragout - come fall, all varieties of game are in season for gourmets. However, ever since the worldwide surge in genetically modified corn, critical consumers' appetites have abated somewhat. view more (2009-10-27)
The amazing maze of maize evolution
Understanding the evolution and domestication of maize has been a holy grail for many researchers. As one of the most important crops worldwide and as a crop that appears very different from its wild relatives as a result of domestication, understanding exactly how maize has evolved has many practical benefits and may help to improve crop yields. view more (2009-10-05)
Domestication of Capsicum annuum chile pepper provides insights into crop origin and evolution
Without the process of domestication, humans would still be hunters and gatherers, and modern civilization would look very different. view more (2009-06-22)
New study finds that sharing genetic resources key to adaptation to climate change in Africa
As rapidly rising temperatures in Africa threaten to scorch local varieties of maize and other food staples, the food security of many Africans will depend on farmers in one country gaining access to climatically suitable varieties now being cultivated in other African nations, and beyond. view more (2009-06-18)
Crop Models Help Increase Yield per Unit of Water Used
Crop water use efficiency (WUE, or yield per unit of water used), also known as crop water productivity, can be improved through irrigation management and methods, including deficit irrigation (irrigating less than is required for maximum yields) and supplemental irrigation (irrigating to supplement precipitation so as to avoid crop failure or... view more... (2009-05-04)
Wild grass became maize crop more than 8,700 years ago
The earliest physical evidence for domesticated maize, what some cultures call corn, dates to at least 8,700 calendar years ago, and it was probably domesticated by indigenous peoples in the lowland areas of southwestern Mexico, not the highland areas. view more (2009-03-24)
Teeth of Columbus' crew flesh out tale of new world discovery
The adage that dead men tell no tales has long been disproved by archaeology. view more (2009-03-20)
200,000 rice mutants available worldwide for scientific investigation
Scientists across the world are building an extensive repository of genetically modified rice plants in the hope of understanding the function of the approximately 57,000 genes that make up the genome of Oryza sativa. view more (2009-03-05)
Plants display 'molecular amnesia'
Plant researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Berkeley, have announced a major breakthrough in a developmental process called epigenetics. They have demonstrated for the first time the reversal of what is called epigenetic silencing in plants. view more (2008-12-03)
Tool Helps Identify Gene Function in Soybeans, Could Lead to Better Crop Performance, say MU Researchers
In the race for bioengineered crops, sequencing the genome could be considered the first leg in a multi-leg relay. view more (2008-12-02)
Study a step toward disease-resistant crops, sustainability
A five-year study that could help increase disease resistance, stress tolerance and plant yields is under way at Purdue University. view more (2008-11-13)
Improved poverty analysis
Development planners and policymakers in developing countries need accurate information about the poverty of the population. The risk of food shortages or other poverty-related problems is an ever present threat. view more (2008-10-29)
Researchers Find an Essential Gene for Forming Ears of Corn
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) professor David Jackson, Ph.D., and a team of plant geneticists have identified a gene essential in controlling development of the maize plant, commonly known in the United States as corn. view more (2008-09-25)
A Little Nitrogen Can Go a Long Way
Varying the rate of crop production inputs such as fertilizer and seed makes intuitive sense, as farmers have long observed differences in crop yield in various areas of a single field. The availability of spatial yield information from combines equipped with yield monitors has provided a good resource for improved management. view more (2008-09-04)
Early origins of maize in Mexico
The ancestors of maize originally grew wild in Mexico and were radically different from the plant that is now one of the most important crops in the world. view more (2008-06-30)
Genome communication
In the late 19th century Gregor Mendel used peas to show that one copy of a gene (allele) is inherited from the mother and one from the father. view more (2008-06-30)
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