Seed Today - Q2 2008 - (Page 19)

does nothing to identify the desired plant. Molecular markers changes all that. By taking a small tissue sample from a seedling, researchers can determine whether or not a plant contains the desired genetic material without waiting to make phenotypic observations. For ten years or so, seedling leaf punches provided the tissue for DNA analysis, Now, a new Monsanto “seed chipper” provides a nondestructive technique to sample and select individual seeds prior to planting. Crosbie says germination of selected seeds is unaffected while seeds not containing the desired genetic material are discarded, adding another element of efficiency to the screening process. During the next 20 years, Crosbie estimates MMB will enable breeders to add 50 bushels to the national average corn yield on top of the 30-year trend line. combination,” Crosbie explains. “But, with biotechnology and MMB, our odds are one in five that we will find that one plant in three turns that we can generate within one year—a success rate unimaginable a few years ago.” Add a pipeline loaded with GM traits such as nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) and abiotic stress tolerance waiting to be combined into a single plant, Crosbie is confident about his vision of future corn yields. Soybean Potential The same technology that Crosbie envisions at work in corn also applies to soybeans. It is within reason to see the average U.S. soybean yield increasing from today’s 40 bushels to 80 bushels by 2030, he says. Given the exponential rate at which new genetic information is accumulating and the ability of plant scientists to develop new plant traits, Crosbie’s vision may be achieved well before 2030. Joe W. Funk, editor Biotechnology Breeding In addition to yield advances attributable to MMB, Crosbie envisions corn yields with get an additional 50 bpa boost from biotechnology breeding. “The new genes that we will use to boost average corn yields to 300 bpa by 2030 are not found in the Midwest. We have been using Iowa genes for 100 years—we’re at the top of what those genes can provide,” he says. “Monsanto’s breeders will be using genetic material from its proprietary germplasm resources in every major corn producing country in the world. We will also collaborate with CIMMYT and other public resources to source novel germplasm.” Biotechnology breeding enables breeders to bring theory to reality. Creative genetic models identify what breeeders should look for to make a cross between parents that each contain multiple desirable traits to be passed on to the next generation. Single genes can be identified from parents adapted to a foreign environment. Using MMB techniques, multiple genes can be efficiently inserted into plants with proven yield potential. “Using traditional quantitative genetics, the odds of combining 10 specific traits from each parent into one plant is one in one trillion. You have 100 times better odds of winning the PowerBall lottery than making that Response No. 191 Second Quarter 2008 19 http://www.gustafson.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q2 2008

Seed Today - Q2 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature IKR BÁBOLNAMAG AOSA/SCST Gary Biel Bill Latham According to ASTA AOSCA Origin AgriTech Ltd. Pipeline Auditec Power Seeds, Inc RSI Systems LLC Mill & Elevator Supply Co. Agronomix Software, Inc Green Age® Products and Services USDA Crop Projections Buyers’ Guide Ad Index

Seed Today - Q2 2008

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