Research

Climate change is increasing spring air temperature variation, we are seeing greater swings in temperature which can make spring growth difficult and risky. Genes for cold soil emergence and seedling growth are needed in Manitoba corn hybrids to hasten emergence, increase stand uniformity, and speed seedling growth. Improving emergence in cold soils will ensure that the corn crop gets the jump on spring in warm and cold years. Earlier maturity, resulting from faster growth, will increase dry down time in the fall and reduce fossil fuels needed for grain drying.

Objectives

1. Confirm results from previous years of cold-corn screening for early emergence and faster root growth in cabinet experiments.
2. Examine the relationship between early emergence, root growth and seedling growth under cold conditions.
3. Grow selected cold-corn hybrids in early seeded field trials in eastern Ontario and Manitoba and compare them to current corn hybrids grown in Manitoba.