For the past three years, two researchers at the University of
Illinois have been on a genetic expedition that has led them to
a treasure house of some very valuable genes — ones they've
coined “NitroGenes.” Their search helps write a new chapter on
corn breeding since these NitroGenes have the potential to
produce corn hybrids that use much less nitrogen (N) to grow.
Those hybrids won't sacrifice yields or the insect and herbicide
resistance already present in today's commercial hybrids. Early
indications are that corn hybrids incorporating these NitroGenes
could be developed to help producers cut N use by 25%. Rising N
costs and concerns about the impact on water quality have
encouraged this search along with a growing interest among seed
companies in making such hybrids a reality. Stephen Moose,
assistant professor of maize functional genomics, and Fred
Below, professor of crop physiology at the University of
Illinois — Champaign/Urbana, have been screening numerous parent
materials from the U.S. and tropi