Corn Journal
  • Corn Journal
  • Author
  • Stalk Rot Booklet
  • Seed Testing
  • Corn Genetics
  • Pathology
  • Sponsors
  • Contact
"You can see a lot by just looking"-Yogi Berra

From varieties to hybrids

12/22/2016

 
​From the base varieties and races of corn distributed in the USA, and as some were mixed, by individual farmers, many small seed companies emerged to produced popular varieties for an area. By the year 1900, it was estimated that 1000 distinct varieties of corn were grown by USA farmers but most were selections from 10 basic ‘races’. From these, individual public and private corn breeders began developing inbreds for hybrid production.  Selection pressure in varieties emphasized appearance of ears in farm shows, but also for disease resistance to local diseases, pests and drought.
 
Some of the same selection pressures were applied to inbred development but ultimately it was the performance in a hybrid that became most significant. These attempts in the early 1900’s had to be disappointing to many, as the ear size reduced greatly and relationship with inbred appearance and hybrid performance was not always strong.  It presented new dynamics over variety selection but the payoff for these early efforts was great.  Realizing that making 4-way hybrids, with both parents being hybrids, made seed production cost efficient especially in comparison to the boost in grain yields over variety yields. The lack of genetic relationship between the two hybrid parents covered up the genetic deficiencies of each other, giving the double cross hybrids a boost over either parent. Hybrids were introduced in the 1920’s and gained significantly in the 30’s and by 1950, nearly all USA corn grain production was made with hybrids. Separation of male and female flowering structures encouraged genetic variability and multiples of people selecting for varieties fitting their needs, established the basis for the huge hybrid vigor revealed in corn hybrids.  
 
Corn history has intrigued many and literature is rich with details.  One comprehensive source is ‘Corn and Corn Improvement’, 3rd edition published by American Society of Agronomy in 1988. Internet search engines lead to more references including more recent literature.
 

Comments are closed.

    About Corn Journal

    The purpose of this blog is to share perspectives of the biology of corn, its seed and diseases in a mix of technical and not so technical terms with all who are interested in this major crop. With more technical references to any of the topics easily available on the web with a search of key words, the blog will rarely cite references but will attempt to be accurate. Comments are welcome but will be screened before publishing. Comments and questions directed to the author by emails are encouraged.

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  • Corn Journal
  • Author
  • Stalk Rot Booklet
  • Seed Testing
  • Corn Genetics
  • Pathology
  • Sponsors
  • Contact