Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/08
Outputs
The primary foci for the South Dakota State University's corn breeding program were to conduct applied research in corn breeding and to train graduate students. Specific objectives were to: 1) develop and release inbred lines and improved populations that can be used to develop hybrids for livestock feed, grain production or other value added products. Emphasis was placed on yield, adaptation, stress tolerance, and pest resistance, 2) evaluate and select corn adapted to South Dakota for phosphorous and nitrogen content to be used as a compliment/supplement to DDGs/co-product feed, 3) develop open-pollinated corn varieties, populations, and synthetics for sustainable agricultural operations (i.e. organic farmers) and conventional farming, 4) continue to develop white corn as an alternative crop and breed other types of specialty corn. Improved open-pollinated varieties and their varietal hybrids have shown to be a profitable alternative to commercial hybrids under
non-stress environments. Over the past 4 years (2003-2006) we have evaluated, selfed, and random mated fifteen different populations originating from North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Canada. These improved populations will be made available to other institutional corn breeders for continued improvement in terms of grain yield and quality improvement. The past several years have also shown some very promising yellow inbred lines. Yields for the check hybrids have averaged 7.84-13.5 Mg/ha across 3 locations throughout 2004-2005, while the superior yellow inbred testcrosses averaged 8.62-15.6 Mg/ha over the same time period. In 2006, our inbred testcrosses did not outperform the check hybrids, however. Considering the fact that our inbred lines are not genetically modified, our results were still very pleasing. All inbred lines, including the white inbred lines, could prove as useful resources for other institutions/sectors. In our efforts to achieve our primary goals, we successfully
aided our M.S. student, Pravin Gautam, in his research efforts. Pravin completed his thesis this past summer and found that there may indeed be genetic differences, and therefore, benefits to selecting between hybrids in terms of phosphorous and nitrogen concentration. Yusheng Wu, our PhD student, is continuing to establish populations with the intent of locating genes relevant to high amylose content via QTL analysis. His goal for completion is 2007-2008.
Impacts
As the South Dakota State University corn breeding program has terminated, populations will be made available to other institutional corn breeders for continued improvement. In addition, the intent is to release all relevant inbreds to the public, after final analysis.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
The South Dakota State University corn project continued to conduct applied research in corn breeding in 2005, with emphasis on development of population and specialty corn germplasm adapted to South Dakota environments. Our program goals are to conduct applied research in stress environments, train graduate students, and explore the potential for open-pollinated corn varieties and specialty corn production in South Dakota. 1.) For yellow corn development, several yellow inbred testcrosses yielded superior at the Southeast Research (Beresford) Station in terms of yield and lodging. Yields for the check hybrids averaged 7.98 Mg/ha, while the superior yellow inbred testcrosses averaged 9.15 Mg/ha. Superior testcross yields at our Northeast Research (Watertown) Station averaged 8.62 Mg/ha compared to the check average of 7.84 Mg/ha. At our Brookings location, several yellow inbred testcrosses were also promising, but failed to out-yield the check hybrids. 2.) We also
extensively tested and evaluated white corn germplasm. Our goal is to develop white corn inbred lines and populations adapted to southern and central South Dakota. White hybrid yield trials were conducted at our Brookings, Watertown, and Beresford locations. While the inbred testcrosses did not yield superior to the check hybrids, several white inbred testcrosses show promise and are useful for genetic stock. 3.) Our goal is to select adapted corn hybrids and to develop inbreds for low-phosphorous and low-nitrogen content for South Dakota producers. Three replications of 10 hybrids from various private companies were planted at three locations (Beresford, Watertown, Brookings) in 2004 and 2005. Each replicated entry was planted at two population densities. We hand-harvested 10 plants per plot and weighed them for a tonnage value. Each sample was then weighed after drying and processed for P and N concentration analysis. The initial data suggests that genetic variation may exist.
However, data analysis is not complete. 4.) Much effort went into open-pollinated corn research. Having a low-cost alternative and re-directing public breeding efforts will significantly impact sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. We began a collaborative program with North Dakota State University in extensively testing and developing new open-pollinated varieties that are competitive with commercial hybrids. Preliminary yield results show that several open-pollinated varietal crosses were superior in terms of yield and lodging. 5.) In our efforts to achieve our primary goals, we currently have two graduate students. Pravin Gautam, our M.S. student, is researching commercial hybrids for P and N concentration (see above). Yusheng Wu, our PhD student, began to establish F2 populations in our 2005 nursery with the intent of locating genes relevant to high amylose content via QTL analysis. He is performing lab functions involving DNA extractions to determine the
polymorphisms between the high amylose inbred lines and has currently found appropriate markers for several chromosomes.
Impacts
Although corn companies produce seed and sell hybrids to farmers, development of corn lines, and yield and grain quality enhancement by the public sector is invaluable for South Dakota. Public scientists conduct relevant research and enhance germplasm that can be marketed by the private corn companies. Over-feeding crude protein and minerals in the diets of all ruminants will result in loss of nitrogen and phosphorous to the environment in urine and feces, respectively. This will negatively impact water resources and also represent an economic loss to livestock producers. Open-pollinated corn research would likely benefit organic and sustainable farmers and producers who grow corn solely to feed their livestock. Germplasm that is not genetically modified, yet contains imperative genetic traits for yield and quality, will be beneficial to producers. This project has released many white inbred lines, several of which are actively used in the development of white corn
hybrids targeted to South Dakota and the surrounding region. With improved quality traits, growers could obtain substantial incentive premiums and strengthen their economic viability.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
The South Dakota State University corn project continued to conduct applied research in corn breeding in 2004, with emphasis on development of specialty corn germplasm adapted to South Dakota environments. Our program goals are to conduct applied research in stress environments, train graduate students, and explore the potential for open-pollinated corn varieties and specialty corn production in South Dakota. 1.) For yellow corn development, several yellow inbred testcrosses yielded superior at the Southeast Research (Beresford) station in terms of yield and lodging. Yields for the check hybrids ranged from 11.3 to 12.5 Mg/ha, while the yellow inbred testcrosses ranged from 3.6 to 15.6 Mg/ha. At our Brookings location, several yellow inbred testcrosses were also promising. The inbred testcrosses ranged from 1.7 to 13.5 Mg/ha and the check hybrids ranged from 6.9 to 10.3 Mg/ha. 2.) We also extensively tested and evaluated white corn germplasm. Our goal is to develop
white corn inbred lines and populations adapted to southern and central South Dakota. White hybrid yield trials were conducted at our Brookings and Beresford locations. While the inbred testcrosses did not yield superior to the check hybrids, several white inbred testcrosses yielded greater than the check average. We also began crosses to form new white corn populations and hybrids for use as genetic stock. 3.) Corn adapted to South Dakota for phosphorous and nitrogen concentration was selected and evaluated. Our goal is to select adapted corn hybrids and to develop inbreds for low-phosphorous and low-nitrogen content for South Dakota producers. Three replications of 10 hybrids from various private companies were planted at three locations (Beresford, Watertown, Brookings). Each replicated entry was planted at two population densities. We hand-harvested 10 plants per plot and weighed them for a tonnage value. Each sample was then weighed after drying and processed for P and N
concentration analysis. The initial data suggests that genetic variation might not exist. However, data analysis is not complete. 4.) Much effort went into open-pollinated corn research. Having a low-cost alternative and re-directing public breeding efforts will significantly impact sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. In 2004, we began a collaborative program with North Dakota State University in extensively testing and developing new open-pollinated varieties that are competitive with commercial hybrids. Preliminary yield results show that several open-pollinated varietal crosses were superior in terms of yield and lodging. 5.) In our efforts to achieve our primary goals, we currently have two graduate students. Pravin Gautam, our M.S. student, is researching commercial hybrids for P and N concentration (see above). Yusheng Wu, our PhD student, began to establish populations in our 2004 nursery with the intent of locating genes relevant to high amylose content via
QTL analysis. He is currently performing lab functions involving DNA extractions to determine the polymorphisms between the high amylose inbred lines and has found appropriate markers for several chromosomes.
Impacts
Although corn companies produce seed and sell hybrids to farmers, development of corn lines, and yield and grain quality enhancement by the public sector is invaluable for South Dakota. Public scientists conduct relevant research and enhance germplasm that can be marketed by the private corn companies. Over-feeding crude protein and minerals in the diets of all ruminants will result in loss of nitrogen and phosphorous to the environment in urine and feces, respectively. This will negatively impact water resources and also represent an economic loss to livestock producers. Open-pollinated corn research would likely benefit organic and sustainable farmers and producers who grow corn solely to feed their livestock. Germplasm that is not genetically modified, yet contains imperative genetic traits for yield and quality, will be beneficial to producers. This project has released many white inbred lines, several of which are actively used in the development of white corn
hybrids targeted to South Dakota and the surrounding region. With improved quality traits, growers could obtain substantial incentive premiums and strengthen their economic viability.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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