Transgenic Hybrids in US Corn Performance Trials

Corn performance trials in Ohio State University are designed to evaluate corn hybrids based on yield potential, percent moisture, stalk lodging, emergence and test weights of the grain. In addition, the results help growers select varieties that can withstand different environmental factors and growing conditions. This year, of the 237 entries evaluated, 84% carried transgenic traits, 25% more than what was evaluated last year. According to Peter Thomison, an Ohio State University Extension agronomist, "the large number of transgenic hybrids evaluated in the trials indicate that most corn hybrids will contain one or more Bt and/or herbicide resistant traits in the future". Records of the US Department of Agriculture show that over 40% of Ohio's 2007 corn crop consist of biotech varieties -- insect resistant, herbicide resistant, and stacked traits, 15% more than last year's.

In this year's trials, transgenic hybrids received high marks, especially with regards to high yields.  "Overall, triple-stacked hybrids generated the highest yields," said Thomison. "Eight of the top 10 yield hybrids are triple-stacked hybrids, one is a double-stack, and one contains a single trait." However, performance of  these hybrids are also affected by the differences in region, soils and environmental conditions, and growers should not rely solely on one hybrid characteristic or transgenic traits to make their product selection."

A detailed breakdown of hybrids evaluated in this year's trial, by characteristic and region, can be found by logging on to http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/corntrials/.  Details of the news article can be seen at: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/story.php?id=4413