Future of Grain
HIGHLIGHTING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN GRAIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
Missing corn genes
Recent research has revealed that some inbred corn lines have more variations in genes that humans have. Six elite inbred corn lines were re-sequenced and compared. The research found more than 100 genes that are present in some corn lines are missing in others.
The information gathered from this research could indicate which genes are responsible for which traits, ultimately providing a shortcut for breeders to produce hybrids with specific traits. Further research is required but the potential is great.
The studies were conducted by researchers at Iowa State University, China Agricultural University and the Beijing Genomics Institute in China and included the parents of the most productive commercial corn hybrids in China. •
$12 million breeding centre in Winnipeg
Monsanto Canada has announced the opening of its new $12 million breeding facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The facility will conduct high-tech research and breeding activities to develop top-yielding canola hybrids for Canadian farmers.
The new 29,000 sq. ft. facility will be located adjacent to Monsanto’s corporate Canadian head office at the University of Manitoba’s Smart Park. Approximately 40 staff will work at the new facility on in line development breeding and breeding support, canola breeding management, canola quality analytics, double haploid breeding (tissue culture) and plant pathology. Some of the breeding activities will include hybridization, early generation selection, plant cultivation, drying and threshing.
The ultimate goal is to bring new products to market faster for Canadian canola growers. •
