New Study Looks into Genetic Explanation for Heterosis in Corn

 



For over a hundred years, farmers used the concept of heterosis to increase crop yields. To take the most advantage of increased productivity, farmers cross two distinct lines of corn to produce a variety that performs much better than either of the two original strains. Much works has been done to study what lineages produce various types of corn, such as field corn and sweet corn. However, for all of the work that has done with corn hybrids, the genetic mechanism that makes this all possible remains a mystery – until now.

According to Science Daily, a research team comprised of individuals from the University of Bonn, Iowa State University, and the Max Plank Institute has proposed a genetic reason as to why heterosis works. Through state-of-the-art genetic sequencing technology, the researchers discovered genetic fingerprints suggesting that hybrid plants have more active genes than purelines. The increase in the amount of active genes allows hybrid plants to be more productive.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the article is its application to the real world. As food prices – especially corn prices – rise higher every day, there would be a great worldwide benefit if the researchers’ work could be used to produce corn crops with higher yields. Not only is corn used for human consumption, but it is also used for animal feed and biofuels as well. The researchers’ findings has the potential to have a major impact in the global economy.