New research from the University of Illinois has found that corn's wild ancestor genes can inhibit nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, reducing nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows reductions in nitrification of up to 50% in field and greenhouse trials, with potential huge impacts on sustainable agriculture.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2026
A University of Bonn study has shown how the fungus Ustilago maydis takes over the plant's lateral root formation function, leading to massive tissue growths that divert energy and resources from defense. The findings provide valuable insights for breeding more resistant varieties of maize.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 5, 2026
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Researchers in Illinois used public genebanks and shared data to accelerate corn quality research, identifying genetic regions influencing kernel composition traits. By combining near-infrared spectroscopy and genomic data, the team found well-known and previously unreported genomic regions associated with key kernel composition traits.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateDec 17, 2025
Joseph Ecker, a Salk Institute professor, has received the Barbara McClintock Prize for his groundbreaking work in plant genetics and genomics. His research explores the epigenome, revealing critical details about plant immunity, drought recovery, and modern photosynthesis.
New York University researchers developed a novel process using machine learning to reveal groups of genes governing nitrogen use efficiency in plants like corn. The study aims to help farmers improve crop yields and minimize fertilizer costs.
SourceNew York University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 14, 2025
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a new method for transforming maize using leaf whorls, reducing the need for advanced growing facilities. The new technique has been tested on two maize genotypes and shown to be effective in boosting plant resistance.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalIn Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025
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A research team has uncovered key genetic regulatory factors that control pleiotropy, a phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple traits. The study sheds new light on how genes governing leaf angle and tassel branching in maize can be modulated to optimize crop productivity.
SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2025
Researchers Rob Martienssen and Thomas Gingeras analyzed maize and teosinte genomes to identify regulatory regions controlling gene expression. They found hundreds of thousands of enhancers and super enhancers that were strongly selected during domestication 9,000 years ago.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2025
A recent study analyzed genomic variation distribution, genetic diversity, and heterotic group types in modern maize inbred lines. The research found new potential heterotic groups and identified elite breeding loci for traits like yield, plant architecture, and stress resistance.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 2, 2025
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A new study from Iowa State University aims to increase emphasis on phenotypic plasticity in improving crop performance. Researchers linked crop traits, genetics and weather conditions using a quantitative framework, predicting flowering time and yield component traits with high accuracy.
SourceIowa State University·JournalGenome Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2024
The KAUST team developed an open-source platform to detect small DNA differences, revealing over 2 million previously overlooked genetic variants in rice and other crops. This tool will accelerate the discovery of genetic variations for developing crops with improved resilience and yield.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 20, 2024
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified genomic regions associated with resistance to four diseases in corn: Goss's wilt, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and southern corn leaf blight. The study found that multiple genes working together can provide durable resistance against different pathogens.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·DateFeb 7, 2024
A new study reveals a genetic vulnerability to the herbicide tolpyralate in nearly 50 sweet and field corn lines, with sensitivity increased by adjuvants commonly co-applied with HPPD-inhibitors. The source of the sugary enhancer gene is among the most sensitive genotypes, suggesting widespread potential.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·DateDec 13, 2023
A new study published in Science reveals that modern maize originated from a hybrid of two teosintes created around 5000 years ago in central Mexico. The hybridization event led to the spread of maize across the Americas and later worldwide, becoming one of the world's most important crops.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023
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A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a wealth of untapped diversity in popcorn's genetic code, with over 308,000 variations across the genome. The research may help improve the agronomic performance of the crop and uncover its long history of movement across North America.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 27, 2023
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified new genes that regulate the surge protector in plants, which can help increase photosynthesis efficiency and boost corn yields. The discovery could lead to breeding plants better equipped to capitalize on yield-boosting sunlight.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 5, 2023
Scientists identified a key gene variant, THP9-T, that increases nitrogen-use efficiency and seed protein content in maize. This discovery has implications for future breeding programs aimed at maximizing nutritional value and reducing environmental impact.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2022
Quantitative disease resistance is a promising approach to combat plant diseases, which cause an estimated 13% loss of global crop yields annually. Researchers aim to identify disease resistance mechanisms for important corn diseases and develop genetic resources for the broader maize genetics community.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJul 11, 2022
Researchers used functional genomics to identify key genes involved in inducing callus from immature maize embryos, overcoming a major roadblock in plant breeding. The study found that nearly 30% of predicted A188 genes were structurally different from other maize lines, accounting for high protein divergence and phenotypic variations.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021
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A new collection of corn genomes provides a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptability of corn plants. Researchers have mapped the first corn genome in 2009 and filled in gaps since, revealing how the corn genome was shuffled over time.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021
Subgenome fractionation determines hybrid vigor in maize, with one subgenome experiencing more gene loss than the other. This leads to increased protein accumulation and a nonadditive effect on heterosis in F1 plants.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·DateApr 6, 2021
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has shed light on the genetic diversity of European flint maize, revealing distinct differences between lines. The research highlights the importance of sequencing the entire pangenome of a species to fully understand its genetics.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 27, 2020
Researchers have decoded the European maize genome, revealing significant differences in genetic content and genome structure compared to North American lines. These findings suggest that heterosis, a phenomenon increasing crop yields, may be influenced by variations in knob regions and gene regulation.
SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 27, 2020
Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified gene regulatory elements that can help produce 'designer' plants, which could lead to improvements in food crops. The team's findings suggest that targeting these elements for editing offers a more refined tool than editing genes.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 18, 2019
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Researchers at UC Davis and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have mapped the 'jumping genes' of maize, identifying transposable elements that regulate gene expression and impact plant traits. The new genome sequence enables a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between these elements and the diversity of the genome.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2017
Scientists analyzed ancient maize genomes to understand its adoption at high elevations. They found that desirable phenotypes were selected for by high-altitude farmers over thousands of years, rather than being introduced from modern-day Mexico.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017
The new maize genome provides unprecedented detail on gene regulation and variation, enabling scientists to understand how the plant adapts to changing conditions. This knowledge has huge implications for breeding and expanding maize's growing range as climate change intensifies.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2017
The sunflower genome sequence provides insights into oil metabolism, flowering time, and Asterid evolution. The research identifies new candidate genes and reconstructs genetic networks controlling these traits.
A small portion of the maize genome holds vast amounts of information controlling traits like plant size and stress response. This discovery could greatly accelerate crop improvement by allowing researchers to pinpoint specific genetic changes.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016
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Researchers at Cornell University and Florida State University identified a tiny percentage of regulatory DNA in the maize genome that accounts for roughly half of the variation in observable traits found in corn. This discovery enables breeders to focus on these areas for more efficient plant breeding.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016
Researchers have developed a detailed positional cloning protocol to locate genes within the large and complex maize genome. This technique allows for the identification of genetic markers linked to specific traits, enabling precise localization of candidate regions until the gene is identified.
SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015
Researchers captured a genetic snapshot of maize 10 million years ago and traced how it used copied genes to cope with domestication pressures. These gene copies played a vital role in optimizing photosynthesis in maize leaves.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 14, 2014
The symposium highlights two promising lines of research: unlocking natural diversity in maize genomes to secure global food supplies, and applying nanotechnology to improve renewable energy efficiency. Researchers from TUM and international partners present recent advances in these fields.
A comprehensive analysis of the maize genome has been completed, increasing scientists' understanding of differences across related species and individual varieties. The research is expected to speed development of improved corn varieties, which will help optimize yield and disease resistance in changing climates.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 3, 2012
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Maize's impressive genetic diversity was comprehensively characterized, revealing over 55 million SNPs across 103 inbred lines. The studies also found that SVs were associated with important agronomic traits and influenced genome size variations.
SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 3, 2012
An interdisciplinary team has completed the most comprehensive genetic analysis of corn, shedding light on its genetic diversity and evolution. The study provides a foundation for developing improved varieties equipped to resist pests and disease, addressing global food security challenges.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 3, 2012
Researchers found that ancient farmers had a stronger impact on maize evolution than modern breeders. The study analyzed genomic variation in maize, providing critical insights for increasing corn yield to meet growing global demand.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 3, 2012
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Scientists at Cornell University have identified the genes related to leaf angle in corn, a key trait for closer planting, leading to an eight-fold increase in yield since the early 1900s. The study used a genomewide association study method to analyze genetic variation across the maize genome and predict traits with high accuracy.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 11, 2011
The PLoS Genetics special collection presents groundbreaking research on maize genome architecture, revealing new insights into centromeres, transposons, microRNAs, and more. The studies also explore the role of copy number variation and presence/absence variation in shaping maize phenotypes.
Researchers have identified thousands of diverse genes in genetically inaccessible portions of the maize genome using new techniques. This study provides a foundation for uniting breeding efforts across the world and dissecting complex traits through genomewide association studies.
A team co-led by CSHL scientists published a reference genome of maize, revealing its complex DNA sequence and 'wonderful diversity'. The 2.3 billion base-pair sequence contains over 32,500 genes and provides a detailed reference manual for annotating the genome.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2009
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The maize genome is a complex sequence of DNA that has been analyzed using a unique optical mapping facility at UW-Madison. The research advances knowledge of corn's ancestry and guides breeders in extracting increased productivity from the crop.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2009
Researchers from UA and collaborating institutions deciphered the complete genetic code of maize, providing a comprehensive foundation to systematically study maize biology. The achievement aims to breed higher yielding, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant cultivars.
The completed corn genome, published in Science, contains 32,000 genes and will aid in breeding high-yield crops. The sequence, a significant achievement after years of research, offers insights into plant genetics and opens new avenues for crop improvement.
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The completed maize genome sequence reveals a complex genome with nearly as many genes as humans but substantially more complexity, containing about 85% repetitive sequences. This provides clues to genetic variability and gene function, enabling researchers to develop diverse maize hybrids that can adapt to environments.
Scientists are sequencing ancient maize landraces to recapture the full genetic diversity of this complex crop. The Palomero genome is about 22% smaller than B73, revealing a large pool of unexplored genetic diversity.
The completed draft sequence of the corn genome will enable researchers to accurately and efficiently probe the genetic blueprint for the corn plant. Scientists can now look for ways to improve breeding, increase crop yields, and resistance to drought and disease.
Researchers at Iowa State University contributed to the draft sequence of the corn genome, providing valuable data for plant scientists to improve crops. The genome's complexity, with 2.5 billion base pairs and repetitive code, was overcome using advanced software technology, enabling faster assembly and analysis.
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Two Rutgers professors, Hugo Dooner and Paul Falkowski, have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for their pioneering work in plant genetics and biological oceanography. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of genome adaptability and the evolution of biogeochemical cycles.
The University of Georgia has been awarded a $4.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate transposable elements in maize, which are believed to contribute significantly to gene and genome evolution. The project aims to create an annotated database that will aid future research on this crop plant.
The study reveals that plant genomes evolved from a far more dynamic structure than previously believed, with genes being lost, replicated or shifted over time. This challenges the notion of biotechnologists performing 'unnatural acts' when inserting genes into crops.
SourceRutgers University·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 3, 2006
The University of Arizona and BIO5 Institute have received a $29 million federal grant to sequence the maize genome, enabling faster improvement of agronomically important traits in cereal crops. The goal is to unravel the complete DNA sequence of the maize plant and determine its genetic makeup.
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The project aims to sequence the maize genome to understand more about plant genomes and evolve cereal genomes. Scientists will sequence a maize cultivar called B73, with the goal of identifying new genes responsible for important traits like yield and drought tolerance.
The completed rice genome provides a roadmap for agricultural researchers to develop new varieties of rice with increased yields and resistance to disease. With its finished sequence, scientists can identify genes responsible for fundamental processes such as flowering and disease resistance.
SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005
Researchers at K-State are contributing to the effort to sequence the common wheat genome, a significant step towards understanding its genetic traits. The goal is to determine the exact sequence of DNA that controls wheat's characteristics, allowing for more efficient and sustainable food production.
The study reveals a highly complex maize genome with approximately 59,000 genes, twice as many as the human genome. This complexity is due to positional instability and genetic history, allowing maize genes to move around the genome in a way not seen in other species.
SourceRutgers University·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 12, 2004
The Maize Genomics Consortium developed a cost-effective approach to sequence the maize genome, reducing its effective size by six-fold. The method uses methyl-filtration and high-Cot selection, targeting overlapping fractions of the genome enriched for genes.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2004
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Researchers have developed a cost-effective alternative to sequencing the entire genomes of complex plants by combining two gene-enrichment techniques. The new method provides about a four-fold reduction in sequencing necessary to find all maize genes, highlighting its potential for analyzing large and complex plant genomes.
SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2003
Rutgers University has been awarded $4.3 million by the NSF for the Maize Genome Sequencing Project, which aims to sequence the maize genome and understand its complex genetic structure. The project has the potential to improve crop yields and develop new approaches to genomic studies.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a $10.2 million project to sequence the maize genome, which is estimated to be 20 times larger than Arabidopsis. The project aims to develop tools for large-scale sequencing and improve genome mapping techniques.
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