2007 Annual Report of the GEM Project
2007 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Germplasm releases and development:
• Ten GEM lines from the Ames program are recommended for release to GEM
Cooperators for the 2008 planting year. Five of the lines are derived from the 25%
tropical breeding cross, GUAT209:S1308a. One released line, BVIR155:S2012 -029001, is the first GEM release from a breeding cross having an accession from the British
Virgin Islands, BVIR155 (PI 583901, Criollo race). Other releases include
CUBA164:S2008c-289-001, FS8B(T):N11a08c-030-002, DK888N11a08a-395-001, and
DK888N11a08a-440-001.
• GEMS-0067, an amylomaize VII (70% amylose) source of germplasm derived from the
GEM 50% tropical breeding cross, GUAT209:S13 was publicly released and registered
by Campbell et al. of Truman State University. GUAT209 (PI 498583) is a Tusón race,
with excellent combining ability for yield and amylose modifiers of the ae gene.
• Two converted waxy GEM lines are being made available to GEM cooperators for 2008
as a result of in kind support of National Starch who made the backcross conversions and
did the trials. CUBA164:S2012-966-001 wx (SS group), and DKXL370:N11a20-036002 wx (NSS group). Yield trials can be found in the GEM Exp 07604, and seed will be
distributed upon request from GEM Ames in early 2008.
• Four anthracnose resistant lines (three NSS and one SS) from Cornell University
(Margaret Smith) are projected for release in the near future. These include two lines
derived from FS8B(T):N1802; one line from AR01150:N0406 (race Dentado Blanco
Rugoso) ; and one line from CH04030:S0906 (race Camelia). A release manuscript is in
preparation for submission to the Journal of Crop Registrations. See section ‘Public
Cooperator Reports.’
• New, promising first year top crosses in 2007 were derived from 25% exotic breeding
crosses from the Brazilian accessions BR105 (Ames 26251-Suwan flint race), and
BR51039 (PI 583910-Dente Amarillo race). To date, no recommended GEM lines have
been derived from either accession. Results can be found in GEM Expt 071311 and
071315 for BR105:S1640 and BR105:S161, respectively, and Expt 071312 for
BR51039:S1528.
Pathology/Entomology:
Disease data for 2007 is reported on the GEM CD, and will be posted to the website in January.
Pathology and entomology research collaborators from the private and public sectors included
screening of GEM lines, top crosses, and breeding crosses for anthracnose, Northern Leaf Blight
(NLB), Southern Leaf Blight (SLB), Goss’s Wilt, Gray Leafspot (GLS), Fusarium ear rot,
Diplodia ear rot, Aspergillus, European Corn Borer (ECB), Corn ear worm (CEW), and Western
corn root worm (WCR). Appreciation is extended for the in kind support and extensive efforts
of private GEM Cooperators Pioneer Hi-Bred International (Bill Dolezal), and Professional Seed
Research (Jim Dodd). Collaboration by USDA-ARS cooperators included Peter Balint-Kurti of
PSRU and Jim Holland of PSRU (Fusarium/fumonisin, SLB), Xinzhi Ni of CGBRU (southern
insects-piercing sucking), Bruce Hibbard and Sherry Flint-Garcia of PGRU, and Paul Williams
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of CHPRRU (aflatoxin evaluations). Public university SCA reports for disease/insect research
can be found under Public Cooperator Reports for M. Bohn (WCR, ECB); M. Smith
(anthracnose); and W. Xu (CEW, grain mold). Disease data for 2007 can be found on the GEM
CD and will be on our web site in early 2008. The CD data includes SLB ratings from Raleigh,
NC; NLB and Diplodia ear rot ratings from Johnston, IA; and NLB, SLB, Northern leaf spot
(NLS), GLS, Eyespot, and Goss’s Wilt from Sugar Grove, IL. More data from other cooperators
and sites will be on our web site in early 2008.
Highlights of important accomplishments in 2007 include:
• A complete summary of GEM lines released from GEM Ames and Raleigh (177 total)
was prepared and is available on our website as “GEM Germplasm Releases and Key
Traits.” The summary includes the pedigree, GEMS code, race, country of origin, and
key value-added traits (VAT), diseases, and other traits reported.
• A second year of data was collected for the photoperiod study reported last year’s Ames
report, and a poster was presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings in November in
New Orleans. The tropical accession CUBA164 (PI 489361) was induced to flower
similar to B73, and over 300 crosses were successfully made with temperate lines using
CUBA164 as the pollinator.
• A new idea for attractively displaying five ears mounted at 45 degree angles was
demonstrated at the Ames Field Day on September 19, 2007. Intact and broken ears
demonstrate cob diameter and color, and keep them off the ground.
• Use of the new twin plot TR88 combine expedited plot harvest (9 seconds/plot), enabling
completion of harvest by the first week of October - a new record for Ames.
Quality Traits:
• Two released lines for 2008 have protein content above 13% (BVIR155:S2012-029-001
and CUBA164:S2008c-289-001; one line has starch content above 71%
(GUAT209:S2012:S1308a-047-001); and one line has oil content above 5%
(FS8B(T):N11a08c-030-002). NIR results are based on 2-year Ames data (2006-2007).
• Starch characterization studies of GEMS-0067 (ae amylose with modifier alleles from
GUAT209 Tusón race) are continuing, with Jay-lin Jane, Iowa State University. Two
types of starch granules were identified via scanning electron micrographs (SEM) in
GEMS-0067 grain that have not been found in four other public amylose extender ae
inbreds , H99ae, OH43ae, B89ae, and B84ae. The granules are of a spherical or
rod/filamentous shape, and some were 50 micrograms in length. X-ray diffraction
patterns also indicated reduced crystallinity of GEM line starch (22.8-26.1%) vs the
public ae sources (27.5-33.0%).
Ames Location Highlights:
• One hundred-seventy (170) top cross hybrids exceeded the mean yield of the check
hybrids in Midwest trials in 2007. This was a significant improvement of performance
over last year, when 88 yielded above the check mean. Twenty-one of these top crosses
were from second year trials, and 149 were from first year trials. Twenty-six top crosses
exceeded the yield of the top check. Twenty-five of these were from first year trials; the
one was from second year testing is the new recommended line,
BVIR155:S2012 -029-001 x LH287.
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•
•
•
•
Fifty GEM breeding crosses were evaluated for phenotypic traits and adaptability in
Ames, IA, Mt.Vernon, IN (Mycogen), Memphis, TN (C & S Crop Services), and
Newark, DE (UDEL).
Approximately 14,800 plots (2,330 entries) were managed or coordinated through Ames.
Approximately 4,300 nursery rows and 1,500 isolation rows were managed by Ames.
The GEM Project Plan for the next cycle of ARS NP301 Program (Plant Genetic
Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement) was completed and submitted for panel
review.
New GEM Cooperators:
Three new GEM Cooperators joined the GEM Project in 2007. Two US private companies
include Genetic Enterprises Intn’l (Johnston, Iowa), and JFS and Associates, Ltd (Harlan, IA). A
new private international cooperator from Indonesia, Nugenplasm LLC, is our second cooperator
from the Asian region.
GEM Line Recommendations for Midwest for 2007 Release:
Ten GEM lines are recommended for 2007 based on 2-years of favorable data for yield and/or
Y/M, lodging resistance, resistance to southern leaf blight (SLB), northern leaf blight (NLB), or
protein, oil, or starch content. The best performing germplasm were lines derived from the
GUAT209:S1308a breeding cross, which had five released lines. A release from the British
Virgin Islands breeding cross, BVIR155:S2012, is the first GEM release from this country, and
is a Criollo racial accession. Yield data, and NIR results for protein, oil, and starch can be found
on the CD, and handout for 2008 recommended lines.
Table 1. Recommended Ames GEM Lines for 2008 Release
Pedigree
BVIR155:S2012-029-001
CUBA164:S2008c-289-001
DK888:N11a08a-395-001
DK888:N11a08a-440-001
FS8B(T):N11a08c-030-002
GUAT209:S1308a-047-001
GUAT209:S1308a-068-001
GUAT209:S1308a-084-001
GUAT209:S1308a-104-001
GUAT209:S1308a-120-001
Race
Criollo
Mixed
(Creole)
Tropical
Hybrid
Tropical
Hybrid
Mixed
trop&temp
Tusón
Tusón
Tusón
Tusón
Tusón
Heterotic gr.
SS
SS
Type
25% Tropical
25% Tropical
NSS
25% Tropical
NSS
NSS
SS
SS
SS
SS
SS
25% Tropical
25%
Temperate
25% Tropical
25% Tropical
25% Tropical
25% Tropical
25% Tropical
GEM-Raleigh Highlights (from Dr. Major Goodman):
This report serves to document research conducted under specific cooperative agreements
between ARS and the North Carolina State University. Additional details of research can be
found in the report of the parent project 3625-21000-036-00D-Germplasm Enhancement of
Maize Project (GEM). Further information will be available in handouts at the December, 2007,
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cooperators meeting and the December, 2007, TSG meeting. This subproject relates to the
primary objectives of the parent project, which includes coordination and conducting the GEM
Project for the southern region and development of germplasm focused on 50% tropical
derivation. This report summarizes the research conducted under specific cooperative
agreements between the ARS and N.C. State University.
This subproject is concerned with nine aspects of the overall GEM effort. (1) The development
of GEM families from breeding crosses. (2) Making topcross seed of the families. (3) Setting up
appropriate experiments to compare the topcross families with commercial and experimental
checks. (4) Providing seed for these experiments to 13 additional GEM collaborators. (5)
Growing the experiments ourselves at several locations. (6) Analyzing and summarizing our own
and our collaborators data. (7) Selecting the better materials for subsequent-year trials. (8)
Increasing seed of better families, providing it to Ames and other GEM cooperators and to the
NCRPIS. (9) Sampling allelic diversity from representative races not encompassed by GEM
yield-trial efforts.
49 entries (out of almost 500 tested) have been advanced from first year to second year trials in
2007, and 20 entries (out of 90 tested) were advanced from second year to third year testing. In
2007, 16,300 yield and disease plots (Tables 1 and 2) were coordinated through Raleigh (8,700
planted at NC State locations). This includes 400+ plots that were grown solely for GLS
evaluations at three NC State locations.
Approximately, 1250 nursery rows and over 800 isolation block rows were planted in 2007 at
Raleigh. Nursery work involves 12 new breeding crosses. In 2006, the effort to evaluate GEM
breeding crosses for yield per se was continued as part of an overall effort to evaluate new
material. Data from those studies continued to reveal a great spread in yield potential, and those
results heavily influenced our choices for 2007 nursery work. Disease evaluation continues in
2007 for GLS, where advanced materials are evaluated. In 2007, 11 GEM families were
recommended to GEM Cooperators and provided from stocks furnished to Ames. Finally, we
have continued routine screening of available tropical lines, as so little data are available to
choose among them for use in GEM or other research. A summary of some of the most recent
work in that area has been tentatively accepted for publication in Crop Science. The two most
important tables are included as an Appendix to this report. Summaries of ongoing work are
presented in Tables 3, 4, and 5. CML lines 10, 108, 157Q, 274, 341, 343, and 373; 89291 from
IITA and NC296A perform well, with CML341 and 343 having the most promise.
Over 300 nursery rows were devoted to the Allelic Diversity study, which involves accessions
that are outside the core plant breeding materials utilized by GEM and most plant breeding
organizations. These represent new F1 hybrids from about 75 accessions. The F1s were produced
last winter by Jim Deutsch of Syngenta and Randy Holley of Pioneer, using PHB47 and PHZ51
as ex-PVP parents. Backcrosses to the ex-PVP lines were made this summer; some of the F1
hybrids involving PHB47 were notably earlier than PHB47 itself. About 100 new accessions
were sent to Deutsch and Holley this fall to make new F1 crosses.
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Table 6 presents summary data for the better GEM families that have been tested for more than
one year and the status of seed availability. The four new recommended lines with adequate
seed availability are from DK888 N11.
Two new lines of investigation are in progress; eight new testers are being evaluated (three from
Holdens and five from Pioneer; first year results are shown in Tables 7 to 9), and inbred GEM
lines that have been developed at NC State will be tested for the first time in 2007 - these have
been previously tested in NC-only trials. They will be compared head-to-head with some of the
best GEM families that have been tested for two years.
Tables 10 and 11 report the LS Means summaries of 2nd and 3rd year data for families tested in
a third year, while Tables 12 to 14 report the 2nd year summaries for families tested for a second
year. Tables 15 to 20 present summaries of inbred trials based upon elite GEM families across
NC environments.
Collaborative work with other USDA-ARS scientists and other public researchers includes
fusarium molecular marker work with Drs. Holland (USDA-ARS, Raleigh) and Payne (NC
State); racial classification using molecular markers with Drs. Buckler (USDA-ARS, Cornell)
and Doebley (U. WI); and southern corn leaf blight resistance using molecular markers with Dr.
Peter Balint-Kurti (USDA-ARS, Raleigh).
The most important events in the program at Raleigh involve new research personnel. Matt
Krakowsky has joined us from Tifton, GA; he will be leading the GEM efforts in Raleigh. In
addition, we have been able to hire a highly competent M.S. plant pathologist, Dale Dowden,
who has had 30 years experience working with corn in the Southeast, mostly with DeKalb in
North Carolina and Georgia. Both these ARS scientists are well qualified and promise to bring
better coordination to an effort that has been more than a bit overextended at times.
Public Cooperator Reports Funded by Specific Cooperative Agreements (SCA):
Nine university projects were funded in 2007 for a total of $189,000.
Name
Martin Bohn
Mark Campbell
Marcelo Carena
Jim Coors
Jay-lin Jane
Major Goodman
Jim Hawk
Margaret Smith
Wenwei Xu
Table 2. Public Cooperators Supported In 2007
Institute
Amount
U. of Illinois
13,000
Truman State
10,000
North Dakota State
10,000
U. of Wisconsin
16,000
Iowa State
23,000
N.C. State U.
65,000
U. of Delaware
19,000
Cornell
13,000
Texas A&M
20,000
Total $189,000
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A short summary of key highlights from each SCA report is included below. Significant
progress was made this year in all SCA projects. Space does not allow extensive discussion of
methods, germplasm development, and results in the summaries below. Please see the full
report on the CD submitted by each cooperator. Reports will be made available on the GEM
website in January 2008.
Martin Bohn, University of Illinois: Evaluation of GEM germplasm for multiple insect
resistance and fumonisin concentration.
This project is a continuation of the study begun in 2003 with the objective to develop and
evaluate germplasm, and study the genetic basis of resistance to Western Corn Rootworm
(WCR), European Corn Borer (ECB), and the association of insect resistance to fumonisin
concentration, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium sp. The summer season was used to continue
evaluation of per se lines and top crosses with repeat studies to confirm observations in 2006 and
previous years. Significant differences (P>0.05) were found for all measured traits among top
crosses involving AR17056 breeding cross selections and DKXL212:N11a01 (Table 1). Five
hybrids among this group were identified with good agronomic performance with high to
moderate levels of resistance to WCR with root damage ratings (RDR) from 0.38 to 2.35 and
mean of 1.27 (on 0-3.0 ISU scale). Stalk damage ratings (SDR) due to ECB averaged 3.7 and
4.56 for 1st and 2nd brood respectively (1=0 damage and 9= severe). Table 2 showed results of
60 S3 top crosses with LH287. Promising lines included selections from UR13085:N0204, and
AR16026:N1210 with RDR from 0.94 to 2.53, and overall mean of 1.80. Table 3 showed results
of 50 S3 top crosses with a Pioneer tester having RDR from 1.02 to 2.94 and overall mean of
1.89. Advanced S5 top crosses with 3 Pioneer testers are shown in table 4. RDR ranged from
0.53 to 2.94 and overall mean of 1.66. All of these trials had yields in excess of 200+ bushels
with good RDR ratings below 1.0 for some GEM top crosses. Other studies include making 144
selfs in cycle 0 of the Illinois WCR synthetic in which 30 S1’s were selected and saved in 2007.
These lines will be recombined in 2008 to form C1. In depth analysis of GCA and SCA effects
are in process, and future plans include QTL experiments in collaboration with the USDA-ARS
in Columbia, MO. Fusarium and fumonisin evaluation will be completed in the near future.
Mark Campbell, Truman State University: Development and utilization of GEM based
amylomaize hybrids and the identification of amylose modifying genes through QTL
analysis
Two recent advances have increased interest in amylose starch. These include thermoplastic
starch based biodegradable plastics, and resistant starch (RS). Resistant starch has received
significant interest in human nutrition since it lowers glycemic index benefiting patients with
diabetes or obesity. The objective of this research includes the development and release of high
amylose (>70%) germplasm, and mapping the high amylose modifiers (HAM) that were
identified in the Guatemalan breeding cross, GUAT209:S13. A significant accomplishment of
this project in 2007 was the registration of GEMS-0067 which is now publicly available.
GEMS-0067 was used extensively by Truman State University to develop new elite sources of
high amylose lines by using GEM releases in developmental breeding/amylose conversion
programs. In 2007, 85 test hybrids (all GEM x GEM crosses) were evaluated in yield trials in
Kirksville, MO, and the USDA-ARS Ames, IA location. All of the lines in the experiment share
GEMS-0067 as a parent or grandparent (recent lines). More than 15 entries had yields greater
than two commercial amylose checks in this study. It is important to emphasize that not all lines
Page 6 of 18
are fixed for 70% amylose. Efforts are underway to fix the alleles for consistent 70% amylose
among the lines in the yield trials. Further mapping studies with GEMS-0067 and H99ae in
cooperation with South Dakota State University suggest that the QTL on chromosome 5
(reported last year) corresponds directly with starch branching enzyme I (SBI). It is still
questionable whether a single gene alone governs amylose modifier expression. Based on the F2
normal distribution segregation patterns of H99ae x GEMS-0067 (reported last year),
quantitative inheritance, or at least several genes govern amylose modification.
Marcelo Carena, North Dakota State University: Development of early maturity GEM
lines with value-added traits.
The corn breeding program at NDSU has been developing early maturity (65-95 RM) corn since
1933. NDSU began the EarlyGEM Project in 1999 dedicated to a long term program to increase
genetic diversity and enhance germplasm of hybrids in the North Central Region. A backcross
program was initiated with GEM breeding crosses and ND elite lines used as the recurrent
parent. In 2001, 152 GEM S3 lines were observed and evaluated for 15 adaptability traits and 28
were selected which had the earliness and adaptability desired for crossing with ND lines. Nine
source populations included three stiff stalk (SS), and six non stiff stalk (NSS) sources which
were all advanced to S3 generation. The SS populations included CUBA117:S1520-388-1-B,
CHIS775:S1911b-B-B, AR16026:S17-66-1-B; and the NSS families included BR52051:N04-701, SCR01:N1310-265-1-B-B, FSB(T):N1802-35-1-B-B, UR13085:N215-11-1-B-B,
CH05015:N15-184-1-B-B, and CH05015:N12-123-1-B-B. At this time only 1 population
AR16026:S17-66-1-B (designated GEM21) was crossed to two industry testers for top cross
evaluation at six locations in 2007. Five hundred BC1:S1 lines derived from AR16026:S17-661-B x ND2000) x ND2000 were selected and 81 top crosses evaluated with LH176 as tester, and
64 entries evaluated with a proprietary Syngenta iodent related Bt tester. At least fifteen GEM
top crosses were identified with yields over 101% of the commercial check mean yield and will
be advanced to second year testing. Grain samples were also collected from top cross plots and
will be evaluated for protein, oil, and starch in cooperation with the USDA-ARS GEM Project
Quality traits lab in Ames.
Natalia de Leon , Jim Coors, Dustin T. Eilert, University of Wisconsin: Development of
inbreds, hybrids, and enhanced GEM breeding populations with superior silage yield and
nutritional value.
In 2007, we continued to evaluate silage yield and nutritional value of GEM top crosses. Three
trials (Tables 1, 2, and 3) involving GEM materials were planted at Arlington and Madison, WI
with an average density of 32,800 plants/acre. Severe drought affected both locations in July
which decreased yields and increased stalk lodging. Results were very encouraging for
SCRO1:N1310-398-1-B x LH244 and LH332 testers in 2007 (Table 1) as reported in 2006 with
several top crosses above 11 tons/acre and 39% dry matter. It was of interest that the highest
yielding check was W605S x LH332. W605S was released in 2004 by the UW Corn Silage
Breeding program and was derived from the GEM breeding cross, AR17056:N1019. BR52051
test crosses were also high yielding, as were test crosses with CH05015:N15-8-1-B-B. Ten of
twenty-four CUBA164 top crosses exceeded the mean of the check (Table 2), and twenty-one of
thirty-nine top crosses in the GEM244 experiment (Table 3) exceeded the check mean, and six of
these were above the yield of the highest yielding check. Dry matter content was above 35% for
all six hybrids. Nutritional evaluations will be posted on the web site
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http://cornbreeding.wisc.edu in January for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro true
digestibility (IVD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), crude protein (CP), and starch.
Nursery development is continuing for the GEM Quality Synthetic (GQS) which is
approximately 75% stiff stalk derived from CUBA164 and CUBA117 breeding crosses. In
addition approximately 150 GEM families were further inbred and approximately 50 promising
S4+ were crossed to testers for future evaluations.
Major Goodman, North Carolina State University: Conducting, coordinating, and developing
inbreds from the Southern GEM trials using 50%-tropical maize germplasm.
See full report under GEM Raleigh highlights. Additional yield trial data is available on the GEM
CD distributed at December 2007 Cooperator Meeting and on the GEM website.
Jim Hawk, University of Delaware: Inbred line development and hybrid evaluation in
GEM breeding crosses.
The objective of the research at UDEL is to release lines derived from GEM breeding crosses
having value-added traits (VAT), and/or resistance to abiotic stress. A second objective is to
evaluate breeding methods for effective use of exotic germplasm. Forty-six GEM breeding
crosses were evaluated for adaptability, flowering synchrony, plant and ear height, stay green,
grain quality, and resistance to local diseases and pests. Results of these studies will be
presented in cooperation with collaborators who evaluated the same germplasm in Mt. Vernon,
IN, Memphis, TN, and Ames, IA. Approximately 642 selections were made from four SS
populations, (DKXL212:S09, AR16021:S099j, AR16021:S08b09b, and AR16021:S0808c). A
modified single seed descent (MSSD) is being used to advance S1 families to S2 stage and
improve efficiency. Over 102 lines were selected from the MSSD (S2)per se open pollinated
nursery row observations. Approximately 218 S2 ears were selected from six breeding crosses
that were advanced by MSSD S1’s. Yield trial results were not presented due to poor emergence
associated with winter nursery produced seed sources.
Jay-lin Jane, Iowa State University: Value added utilization of GEM normal and high
amylose line starch.
The objective of this project is to characterize starches from GEM germplasm with value-added
utilization. Two types of starch used consisted of (i) high amylose, ae sources (having modifiers
for enhanced amylose) developed from the Truman State University amylomaize project (Dr.
Mark Campbell), and (ii) normal starch grains from exotic germplasm sources developed at the
USDA-ARS Ames, IA GEM Project. Objective 1 (high amylose maize) was to continue the
research on the structure of resistant starch (RS), and to understand the mechanism of RS
formation in the granule. Objective 2 (normal starch maize) was to identify germplasm with
easily digestible starch for small animal feed and potential for ethanol production. For the first
objective three new high amylose maize starches derived from 3 related sub-lines from GEMS0067, GUAT209:S13 x (OH43aexH99ae) were used. The RS content from the GEMS-0067
derived lines ranged from 37.3% to 43.4% which was greater than standard public sources of ae
lines, H99ae, OH43ae, B89ae, and B84ae (10.6%-14.1%). The conclusion gelatinization
temperature was also substantially greater than public sources of ae. The molecular and granular
structure of RS was studied to determine the mechanism of enzymatic resistance. The results
indicated that the amylose lipid complex of the GEM derived lines contributed to total RS
content. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) indicated two types of starch granules having
Page 8 of 18
spherical and rod/filamentous shape and some being 50 micrograms in length. X-ray diffraction
patterns indicated reduced crystallinity of GEM line starch (22.8-26.1%) vs the public ae sources
(27.5-33.0%). For the second objective (normal starch) nine GEM lines representing diverse
races were studied by grinding grain to pass a screen of 0.5mm pore size. The GEM lines were
selected based on previous studies of compositional differences in starch content, protein, oil,
and kernel texture. Enzymatic digestibility with porcine alpa amylase (PPA) was studied using a
slurry of ground corn and in paste form. Starch content ranged from 66.2% to 75.2%. The
sample with the highest starch content (05GEM02989) also had the highest digestibility. Further
research is in progress to determine ethanol potential of the GEM lines.
Margaret Smith, Cornell University: Anthracnose stalk rot resistance from exotic maize
germplasm.
Anthracnose stalk rot (ASR) is caused by Colletotrichum graminicola (Ces.) G.W. Wils., and is
one of the most important pathogens contributing to stalk lodging in the US. A multi-year inbred
development effort at Cornell is designed to identify and release lines from GEM breeding
crosses having high levels of resistance to stalk rot and good yield potential. The objectives of
the project for 2007 include (1) release four inbreds from three GEM populations, (2) evaluate
ASR of S1 families from a new population derived from the best non-stiff stalk lines, and make
test crosses of selected S1’s, and (3) initiate selection for ASR and yield in CH05015:N1204. For
the first objective, four lines were increased and named NY195 for CH04030:S0906-195, NY266
for AR01150:N0406-266, NY212 for FS8B(T):N1802-212, and NY215 for FS8B(T):N1802215. NY195 is stiff stalk related and the others are non-stiff stalk related. An official release
notice is in preparation for submission to the Journal of Plant Registrations. For the second
objective, random mating (2nd round) was completed in summer 2006, selfing done in the 20062007 winter nursery, and the S1 families planted and inoculated in 2007with ASR to evaluate
and making testcrosses with the resistant lines. For the third objective, S1 families from two new
GEM populations (CH05015:N1204 and UR10001:N1702) were evaluated in summer 2006 by
splitting stalks and rating for ASR. The UR10001:N1701 testcrosses will be evaluated in a future
year. From the CH05015:N1204 population S1 testcrosses with B37 (susceptible) are presently
being evaluated for ASR, and crosses to LH198 are being evaluated for yield at two NY
locations. The results of these studies will be made available in 2008.
Wenwei Xu, Texas A&M University: Characterization and utilization of GEM breeding
crosses, top crosses, and advanced lines for drought tolerance, grain mold, and corn ear
worm resistance.
The objectives of this project include (1) conducting field trials for drought tolerance, Corn Ear
Worm (CEW) resistance, grain mold, and yield under drought stressed and well watered
conditions using LH and public testers, (2) develop inbred lines from GEM populations and
characterize inbred lines for stress tolerance and agronomic traits, and (3) assay aflatoxin levels
of ten top crosses of GEM lines. Evaluation trials were conducted under drought stress and well
watered conditions by managing water by controlled irrigation at multiple testing regions in TX
(Lubbock, Halfway, Beeville, Corpus Christi,and College Station) and two locations in MS
where aflatoxin experiments were conducted. To better organize trials, the testcrosses were
divided into sub-groups based on their pedigrees. This included lines derived from breeding
cross from Cuba, Brazil, DK, St. Croix, and Argentina, The results presented are part of a
multiyear evaluation of pedigrees that were reported in the 2006 report. The full report on the
Page 9 of 18
CD includes 15 tables of data covering yield, stalk lodging, flowering dates, plant and ear height,
stay green, CEW penetration in cm, grain mold %, and ppm aflatoxin (table 14). One of the
most promising pedigrees was CUBA117:S15)-1A-1 x LH185, and x Tx204 (also reported in
2006). These crosses had excellent drought tolerance, and performed well under well watered
conditions (Table 1). CUBA117:S15)-1A-1 was also the only GEM pedigree showing some
level of aflatoxin resistance (Table 14 in 2007 and also reported in 2006), and low levels of grain
mold and CEW when crossed to Tx204 and Tx205 (Table 3). SCROGPR3:N1411a and
SCROGPR3:N2017 pedigrees continue to have excellent grain and silage yields when crossed to
LH200, Tx205 or B110 (Tables 11, 15), but show no aflatoxin resistance. BR52051:N04, and
PE001:N16 crossed to LH200 and B110 produced high yields under well watered conditions in
the High Plains, and were intermediate for CEW and grain mold.
LAB REPORT (Sue Duvick):
This year the GEM project purchased a new Diamond Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
with a 48 position auto sampler for the laboratory. The DSC is used to measure the thermal
properties of extracted starch. Selected GEM corn lines are first wet milled with a bench top wet
milling procedure and the resulting starch is evaluated for starch applications using DSC. The
variations in thermal properties are important for identifying and selecting corn lines with unique
endosperm types. DSC data for the 2007 GEM recommended lines appears in table 5, and is
available on the GEM CD; additional data will be available on the GEM website in January
2008. Other DSC data on the CD include the 2002-2005 GEM Raleigh lines, 2005
\recommended lines, and 2005 S4 Ames lines.
In addition to the DSC, the GEM laboratory has a new sonic sifter from Avantech. The sonic
sifter is used to measure the particle size distribution of dry milled corn samples. GEM corn lines
are selected based on their whole grain composition as measured with the NIR. The corn is
placed into a vapor sealed chamber to equilibrate to constant moisture. The grain is milled into
corn meal in a hammer mill fitted with a 2mm screen. The corn meal is then poured in to the
sonic sifter and separated on graduated screens using sonic waves and pulses. This particle size
distribution information is used to select corn lines that have superior dry mill characters. Dry
milled corn is used for both food, feed and industrial applications e.g. tortillas, feed rations, and
ethanol.
Whole grain composition data for protein, oil, and starch content were generated using an NIR
Infratech 1241 with a sample transport module and whole grain calibration from Iowa State
Grain Quality Lab. All lab data are reported on a dry matter basis and available on the CD, and
will be posted on the GEM web site in early 2007. Samples are obtained from a bulk of 8 ears
from self pollinated rows. NIR data includes S3 lines from 2006 and S4 lines grown in 2007, (2
year avg), 2006 characterization lines, breeding crosses under evaluation (open pollinated ear
source), and 2007 recommended lines from Raleigh, NC.
Data for protein, oil, and starch content for the 2008 recommended lines from Ames, IA and
recommended lines from Raleigh, NC are below. Data from Ames are 2 year averages (2006 and
2007); Raleigh’s data are from one year (2007).
Page 10 of 18
Table 3. Two year NIR summary (2006-2007) from self pollinated bulk seed.
2008 Line Recommendations- Ames
Pedigree
BVIR155:S2012-029-001
CUBA164:S2008c-289-001
DK888:N11a08a-395-001
DK888:N11a08a-440-001
FS8B(T):N11a08c-030-002
GUAT209:S1308a-047-001
GUAT209:S1308a-068-001
GUAT209:S1308a-084-001
GUAT209:S1308a-104-001
GUAT209:S1308a-120-001
Recommended GEM Ames Lines for 2008 Ames
Race
Country
Protein
British Virgin
Islands
Criollo
13.9
Mixed (Creole)
Cuba
13.2
Tropical Hybrid
Thailand
11.3
Tropical Hybrid
Thailand
11.4
Mixed
USA
12.8
Tusón
Guatemala
10.9
Tusón
Guatemala
12.6
Tusón
Guatemala
11.1
Tusón
Guatemala
12.4
Tusón
Guatemala
11.8
Oil
Starch
Density
4.4
4.1
3.9
4.0
5.2
3.6
4.3
4.0
3.7
4.6
66.8
68.3
70.8
70.5
67.7
71.6
69.1
70.6
69.9
69.4
1.289
1.298
1.324
1.277
1.279
1.306
1.302
1.288
1.331
1.320
Table 4. GEM Raleigh lines grown in Ames, IA in 2007. Most lines had good oil content.
GEM Raleigh Lines
Recommended GEM Raleigh lines for 2007 (from self pollinated seed in Ames, IA)
Code
Pedigrees
Protein Oil Starch Density
GEMS-0164 DK212T N11 F2S4_7431-16-22-B-B-B
11.3
69.0
1.292
5.2
DK888_N11F2S4_9367-1_7451-22-67-26GEMS-0165 B-B
11.7
4.4
69.7
1.308
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-08GEMS-0166 B-B
11.5
68.9
1.321
5.5
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-18GEMS-0167 B-B
11.6
69.0
1.324
5.2
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-19GEMS-0168 B-B
11.9
68.4
1.308
5.6
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-27GEMS-0169 B-B
11.5
69.3
1.313
5.0
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-30GEMS-0170 B-B
12.1
4.9
68.9
1.319
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-37GEMS-0171 B-B
11.2
69.4
1.310
5.1
DK888_N11F2S4_9375-1_7451-27-75-40GEMS-0172 B-B
11.4
68.8
1.317
5.5
DK888_N11F2S4_1778-1 _7451-27-778GEMS-0173 09-B-B
11.6
69.3
1.302
5.0
Starch functional properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC
data were collected on selected GEM lines recommended for release, and on lines with known
starch properties from previous GEM research.
Page 11 of 18
Table 5. 2007 DSC data (1 year data) collected for the 10 recommended lines
(2008 recommended lines) plus additional S4 lines that were part of the same
series of germplasm.
Entry
07GEM02288
07GEM02289
07GEM02290
07GEM02291
07GEM02292
07GEM02293
07GEM02296
07GEM02300
07GEM02302
07GEM02356
07GEM02381
07GEM02402
07GEM02434
07GEM02436
07GEM02475
07GEM02476
Pedigree
GUAT209:S1308a120-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a047-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a068-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a084-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a137-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a172-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a013-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a046-001-B-B
GUAT209:S1308a034-001-B-B
NEI9008:S17c21-023001-B-B
BVIR155:S2012-029001-B-B
CUBA164:S2008c289-001-B-B
FS8B(T):N11a08c144-002-B-B
FS8B(T):N11a08c030-002-B-B
DK888:N11a08a-440001-B-B
DK888:N11a08a-395001-B-B
ToG
(oC)
ToR
(oC)
TpG
(oC)
TpR
(oC)
RnG
(oC)
RnR
(oC)
∆HG
(cal/g)
∆HR
(cal/g)
PHI
%R
64.7
38.2
70.0
51.0
10.6
25.7
3.3
1.6
0.63
48.6
63.6
37.8
67.7
47.7
8.1
19.6
3.1
1.5
0.76
49.2
64.4
38.7
69.2
49.5
9.5
21.7
3.2
1.6
0.68
48.6
66.2
38.5
70.2
51.2
8.0
25.4
3.4
1.6
0.85
48.6
66.3
39.2
70.5
51.5
8.5
24.6
3.2
1.6
0.77
50.0
63.7
40.6
69.2
50.5
10.9
19.8
3.2
1.5
0.58
47.0
64.3
43.5
68.3
53.7
8.0
20.4
3.1
1.2
0.76
38.5
67.9
40.0
71.0
51.2
6.2
22.4
2.9
1.9
0.94
64.5
66.7
37.8
70.8
48.0
8.2
20.4
3.0
1.7
0.73
55.7
61.9
38.6
68.3
49.7
12.9
22.1
3.2
1.6
0.49
49.6
65.2
39.8
70.5
49.0
10.5
18.4
3.2
1.8
0.61
54.8
65.3
39.0
70.2
50.8
9.7
23.6
3.2
1.7
0.66
53.6
65.9
39.1
71.2
51.5
10.6
24.9
3.2
1.7
0.61
51.8
64.5
38.6
71.7
51.2
14.4
25.2
3.2
1.7
0.44
52.9
65.7
38.6
70.2
50.5
8.9
23.8
3.2
1.6
0.72
50.9
64.5
39.4
70.2
51.5
11.4
24.1
3.3
1.8
0.59
55.3
ToG=temp of gelatinization onset
ToR= temp of gelatinization onset of gelatinized starch following retrogradation
TpG=temp of endotherm peak for gelatinization
TpR= temp of endotherm peak for gelatinization of gelatinized starch following
retrogradation
RnG=range of gelatinization
RnR= range of gelatinization of gelatinized starch following retrogradation
∆HG=enthalpy of gelatinization
∆HR= enthalpy of gelatinization of gelatinized starch following retrogradation
PHI=peak height index of thermogram
%R=percent of starch undergoing retrogradation
Page 12 of 18
Recommended lines are bolded. Three pedigrees have starch thermal properties that warrant
further testing for second year.
Lab plans for 2008 include completion of DSC sample analyses, and further analyses of samples
for NIR, and dry-grind ethanol potential.
TSG Meeting, Sept 18-19, 2007- Highlights:
The TSG held their meeting in Ames, IA at the North Central Regional Plant Introduction
Station (NCRPIS) on September 18, 2007, and participated in the GEM Field Day on September
19. David Marshall and Matt Krakowsky from GEM Raleigh also attended the meeting and spent
most of the week visiting nursery, trials, and facilities with the Ames staff, and the Diplodia
observations in Johnston hosted by Bill Dolezal of Pioneer Hi-Bred Int. A presentation was
made by Kendall Lamkey, Chair, Department of Agronomy, on the “State of the Department,”
and by Charles Hurburgh, Professor from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering at ISU, on “The Future of Quality Traits Analysis.”
Important TSG agenda items included the upcoming TSG member elections in December (3
members terms that will expire include Jim Hawk, David Bubeck, and Roger Levy). In addition,
the GEM Chair, Wilfredo Salhuana, will retire his successful leadership position, spanning the
entire history of the GEM Project up to this time. He will surely be missed. A GEM sub-team
presentation by Walter Trevisan covered new germplasm acquisition and included strategies to
select germplasm to develop high potential breeding crosses. This included emphasis on
obtaining more information on the proprietary lines used (such as trait attributes, weaknesses,
and what type of tester to use) and strategies to make successful 25% exotic breeding crosses.
Jerry Rice led the team discussion for the Allelic Diversity (AD) topic, and covered progress to
date. Two action items for AD included 1) develop a plan to assess the percent exotic
germplasm in the AD lines, and 2) develop a 10 year prioritization plan for races to be used in
the AD project. The TSG also discussed ideas to initiate a user friendly web-accessible database
to facilitate data query of GEM results and information. An action item was to obtain further
inputs from TSG members to review examples of use-cases and provide additional input.
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
Ames: USDA-ARS Plant Introduction Research Unit
Dr. Mike Blanco, GEM Coordinator and Geneticist
Mack Shen, IT Specialist
Sue Duvick, Quality Traits Lab Manager
Andrew Smelser, GEM Technician
Fred Engstrom, GEM Technician
Dr. Candice Gardner, Research Leader
Raleigh: USDA-ARS Plant Science Research Unit
Dr. Matt Krakowsky, Southeast GEM Coordinator, joined the Plant Science Research
Unit at NC State in September, 2007. Previously he was a Research Geneticist for the
Page 13 of 18
USDA-ARS in Tifton, GA, where his work focused on reducing aflatoxin contamination
in maize.
Dale Dowden, Agricultural Research Technician
Dr. Jim Holland, Maize Research Geneticist, GEM Collaborator.
Dr. Peter Balint-Kurti, Research Geneticist, GEM Collaborator
Dr. David Marshall, Research Leader and Fund holder.
NC State University
Dr. Major Goodman, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
IN KIND SUPPORT MIDWEST GEM PROJECT IN 2007:
Table 6. Private In-Kind Nursery Support – Summer 2007
Company
AgReliant Genetics
APEX-Agri (France)
BASF Plant Science
Beck’s Superior Hybrids
Brodbeck
FFR Cooperative
Genetic Enterprises Int
Hoegemeyer Hybrids
Hyland (Canada)
Identity Seed & Grain
Illinois Foundation Seed
MBS Genetics
Monsanto Company
Mycogen Seeds
National Starch
PANNAR Seed
Pioneer Hi-Bred Int.
PRIME Farm Seed
Breeding Cross
Make S1’s in AR16021:S08b09b
Make new breeding crosses
Make new breeding crosses
GEM families evaluation
Breeding cross evaluation and observations
Make S1’s in CUBA110:N1709
Advance F4 families AR17056:N2021
Top cross S2’s AR17056:N2021 to 2 testers
Make S1’s in BR51403:N1617
Make S1’s in DKXL370:S08c17c
Make S1’s in ANTIG03:N1242
Make new breeding crosses
Make new breeding crosses
Make S1’s in AR03056:N1625
Make new breeding crosses
Make S1’s in UR10001:N1708e
Amylose tester crosses
Top cross S2’s BR105:N1641
Make new breeding crosses
Top cross re-test lines
Make S1’s in BR105:N16a16b
Make S1’s in NEI9004:S2809
Advance to S2’s in BR106:T33aN20
Breeding cross evaluation and observations
Backcross wx into advanced GEM lines
Regenerate wx increases
Make S1’s in CUBA110:N1746
Make new breeding crosses
Advance and select allelic diversity germplasm
Disease and insect evaluations of lines & breeding crosses
Make S1’s in DK212T:N11a10
Page 14 of 18
Professional Seed Research
Prosemillas (Peru)
G and S Crop Services
Schillinger Seeds
Seed Asia
Syngenta Seeds
Wyffels Hybrids
Multi-disease evaluations of lines and families
Make new breeding crosses
GEM families evaluation
Breeding cross evaluation and observations
Make new breeding crosses
Breeding cross evaluation and observations
Advance to S2’s in DKXL370:S08c17a
Breeding cross evaluation and observations
Regenerations
Make new breeding crosses
Advance to S2’s in AR17056:S1221
Advance to S2’s in GUAT209:N11c41
Make S1’s in NEI9004:S2817c
Table 7. Private In-Kind Support – Winter 2007-2008
Company
Breeding Cross
AgReliant Genetics
Top cross S2’s in FS8A(S):S0907
Agrotuniche
Make S1’s in AR17026:N1019
BASF Plant Science
Advance to S2 CUBA110:N1709
Beck’s Superior Hybrids
Make S1’s in UR10001:N1702
Top cross S2’s of CUBA164:S2012-459 x GEMS-0002
Hoegemeyer Hybrids
Make new breeding crosses
Identity Seed & Grain
Amylose increases
Illinois Foundation Seed
Make S1’s in ANTIG03:N1216
Regenerate AR160021:S3115 breeding cross
JFS & Assoicates
Make new breeding crosses
Monsanto Company
Top cross S2’s in BR51039:S1520
Top cross S2’s in UR02005:N2011c
Mycogen Seeds
Top cross S2’s in MBRC10:S1741
National Starch
Backcross wx into advanced GEM lines
PANNAR Seed
Top cross S2’s in GEMS-0092 x GEM-0016
Pioneer Hi-Bred Int.
Make new allelic diversity crosses
Advance allelic diversity sources
Prosemillas (Peru)
Make new breeding crosses
Breeding cross evaluation and observations
Syngenta Seeds
Make new allelic diversity crosses
Page 15 of 18
Table 8. Yield Trials 2007
Cooperator
Making
Experiment Topcross*
07121
GEM
07131
GEM
07132
GEM
07133
GEM
07134
GEM
07135
GEM
07136
GEM
07137
GEM
07138
GEM
07139
GEM
071310
AgReliant
071311
Monsanto
071312
Monsanto
071313
Syngenta
071314
Syngenta
071315
Becks
071316
Becks
071317
Pannar
071318
Pannar
071319
Pannar
071320
Pannar
07141
Mycogen
07501
GEM
07502
GEM
07521
GEM
07522
GEM
07531
GEM
07532
GEM
07533
GEM
07534
GEM
07535
GEM
07536
GEM
07537
Monsanto
07538
Monsanto
07539
Mycogen
075310
BASF
075311
Hyland
075312
Hyland
075313
BASF
075314
BASF
075315
BASF
07601
MBS
07602
GEM
07603
GEM
% Exotic
50%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
12.50%
25, 50%
25, 50%
50%
50%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25, 50%
25, 50%
Tester
SS/nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
SS
SS
SS
nSS
nSS
SS
SS
nSS
nSS
SS
SS
nSS
SS
nSS
SS
nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
SS
nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
SS
SS
nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
SS
SS
nSS
nSS
nSS
nSS
SS
nSS
Page 16 of 18
Zone of
Germplasm
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Tropical
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Temperate
Trop/Temp
Trop/Temp
Trop/Temp
Number
of
Number
Entries of Reps
40
4
60
5
50
5
55
5
40
5
60
5
60
5
55
8
50
8
40
8
60
6
48
5
72
5
55
6
55
6
65
6
65
6
60
5
40
5
30
5
40
5
50
6
45
8
50
8
55
5
25
5
70
5
65
5
60
5
70
5
65
5
70
5
48
5
72
5
50
6
50
6
35
6
35
6
40
6
45
6
45
6
55
8
65
8
70
8
07604
07605
07641
07642
Totals:
Nat Starch
AgReliant
GEM
GEM
25, 50%
25, 50%
GEMxGEM
Amino acid
SS/nSS
SS/nSS
mix
mix
Trop/Temp
Trop/Temp
Trop/Temp
Trop/Temp
30
65
65
35
2530
6
8
4
4
PUBLICATIONS:
Campbell, M.R., J. Jane, L. Pollak, M. Blanco, and A. O’Brien. 2007. Registration of maize
germplasm line GEMS-0067. Journal of Plant Registrations 1:60-61.
Carena, M.J. 2007. Moving Corn Belt GEM Germplasm Northward. ASA-CSSA-SSA annual
meetings, Nov. 5-9, New Orleans, LO.
Coors, J.G., A.J Lorenz, K.R. Lamkey, K.Kirkpatrick, M.P.Scott, L.J.Haney, and P.J.Weimer.
2007. Characterization and analysis of maize traits contributing to the production of
lignocellulosic ethanol. 29th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, Denver,
CO. April 29- May 2, 2007.
Gardner, C., M. Blanco, F. Engstrom, A. Smelser. 2007. Reducing photoperiod response of
tropical maize germplasm for use in Midwestern maize introgression. ASA-CSSA-SSSA
Annual Meeting Abstract: 279-7 [CD-ROM]. New Orleans, LA. Nov 4-8, 2007.
Hibbard, B. E., D. B. Willmot, S. A. Flint-Garcia, and L. L. Darrah. 2007. Registration of maize
germplasm CRW3(S1)C6 with resistance to Western Corn Rootworm. Journal of Plant
Registrations 1:151-152.
L. Li, M. Blanco, and J. Jane, “Physicochemical properties of endosperm and pericarp starches
during maize development.” Carbohydr. Polym. 67 (2007) 630-639.
Pons, L. 2007. Helping corn face tomorrow’s challenges. Agricultural Research/ July 2007 pp.
14-15. Published by Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Smith, M.E., L. Ericson, and S. Norman. In preparation. Registration of NY195, NY212,
NY215, and NY266 anthracnose stalk rot resistant inbred lines of maize. Journal of Plant
Registrations.
Wu, Y., M. Campbell, D. Auger, D. Gustafson, Wicks III, Z. 2007. Generation means analysis
for amylose content in Amylomaize VII in maize (Zea mays). . 49th Maize Genetics
Conference, Pheasant Run, St. Charles, IL. March 22-25, 2007.
Wu, Y., M. Campbell, Yen, Y., Gustafson, D., Wicks III, Z. 2007. Amylose content in
amylomaize VII varied in different generations and at different locations. ASA-CSSA-SSSA
Annual Meeting Abstract: 1819b. Indianapolis, IN. Nov 12-16, 2006
Xu, W. Silage corn hybrids for the Texas High Plains. Dalhart Silage workshop. Dalhart, TX,
Oct 30, 2007
Page 17 of 18
Xu, W., G. Odvody, and W. P. Williams. Progress in breeding aflatoxin resistant corn. The 20th
Annual Multi-crop Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop, Atlanta, GA, Oct 21-24, 2007.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FIELD DAYS:
Iowa Field Day, Earl Hafner Farm, Panora, IA August 18, 2007. Dr. Linda Pollak germplasm
material.
Iowa Field Day, GEM Project Field Day held at North Central Regional Plant Introduction
Station, Ames, IA September 19, 2007. Visitors included the GEM TSG.
North Dakota Field Day, Robert Stover farm, Larimore, North Dakota. August 29, 2007.
Presentation by Marcelo Carena on early generation testing of hybrids including GEM-derived
early maturing inbreds.
Page 18 of 18