by PressUS approves Bayer’s short-stature corn production
Short-stature corn production to start as early as 2024
Commercial production of short-stature corn will begin in the United States in 2024. Initially, they will grow varieties developed through traditional breeding. And within the next ten years, there are plans to plant a genetically modified variety of corn. Bayer will supply the seeds for the GM corn. Its previous products the US Plant and Animal Health Service has already approved.
Genetically modified corn is 30% shorter than traditional varieties. At the same time, it retains all the qualities of a high-yielding plant. By breeding a new variety, the researchers wanted to reduce the concentration of gibberellic acid, a plant growth hormone. Reducing the levels of this substance prevents the severe bending of the stalks. Corn is prone to it when exposed to wind or changing weather conditions.
Testing corn for possible risks
A specialist ministry investigated a short-stature GMO variety to determine the likely risks to human and animal health. The experts concluded that the corn did not pose a serious threat. They found no harm from eating it, as is the case with other types of GM corn. After completing all the tests, the Department officially approved the cultivation of short-stature corn in the United States.
At the same time, Bayer, the company that developed the corn, says it is awaiting further approvals. The variety is under review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Importers, to whom they will supply the corn, must also give their consent. Only then can commercial production of the variety begin. The company plans to begin cultivation after 2025 or closer to the 2030s.
It is worth noting that farmers in the United States are already growing Bayer’s short-stature corn. But not a genetically modified variety but one developed through conventional breeding. This variety grows on 30,000 hectares. It’s part of general research into short-stature corn productivity. The company notes that with the start of commercial production, the cultivation of the variety should increase twofold.
Features of short-stature corn
This type of crop has some advantages over taller plants. So it makes it attractive in terms of production:
— short-stature corn is no taller than 2 metres, while tall hybrids reach 3-3.5 metres;
— the cob is more than 60 cm above the ground. So there are no problems when harvesting with standard machinery;
— there are no differences between the ear size and the traditional type;
— the low-growing plant is easier to treat with pest and disease control products.
One of the advantages of growing short-stature corn is that you can increase planting density. It makes it easier to till and apply pesticides.