Short Corn Packs a Punch

Dynamite comes in small packages—which can be true with new seed technology.

What’s poppin’? Purdue University’s Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization issued an exclusive license for short-statured corn to Ag Alumni Seed. Except it only applies to popcorn.

The specific seed variety, D16, was developed through inbreeding proprietary seeds for a decade. It was done without introducing foreign DNA into the corn to create a GMO variety.

Packing a punch: Researchers found that the stunted variety has advantagesover traditional corn. The stalks are less likely to break and more likely to perform better in severe conditions. They also have a lower risk of contamination.

Soundbite: "Smaller corn can improve sustainability by allowing farmers to grow more plants per hectare, increase yield, and use water and fertilizer more efficiently." — Jay Hulbert, president and CEO of Ag Alumni Seed

Ag Alumni Seed plans to fast-track new hybrid plant development with the shorter feature.

Where this goes: Hulbert says the company will evaluate the hybrids for the next few years. The new licensing of the hybrids is the next step toward commercialization.