Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding

Soybeans, ready for harvest

Achievements and Activities 2006-2007

The members of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding can list many achievements for the years spanning 2004 and 2005. Included in their accomplishments are the development of germplasm that improves yield, increases nutritional value, enhances pest and disease resistance, and improves a plant’s tolerance to drought or extreme temperatures. These improvements to crops grown around the world are achieved through hypothesis based research techniques, the careful selection of desired traits, and the application of genetic theory.

ß-glucan research conducted. Further studies to identify loci associated with the presence of ß-glucan in oats and barley were conducted. Association mapping techniques were developed to enhance the study. A $500,000 grant from USDA-CSREES was awarded to plant breeder, Jean-Luc Jannink, to further the study. Two Ph.D. assistantships will be funded for the project. Candidates are currently applying. Lance Gibson and Pam White, both professors at ISU, will participate in the project.

Corn-stover project continues. Work continues on developing cultivars that can be used in the manufacturing of ethanol from corn-stover, the crop material leftover after corn is harvested. Studies are being conducted to measure stover yield and quality and to determine if changes in stover properties effect grain yields. Kendall Lamkey is directing the project.

Research in European corn borer resistance progresses. Mike Lee is conducting research to determine methods to enhance resistance to European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)). Mapping methods have been used to identify factors that lead to resistance. Cell wall components in maize have been found to have genetic associations with resistance.

Plant breeding book published. A book edited by Mike Lee and Kendall Lamkey, Plant Breeding: The Arnel R. Hallauer International Symposium (ISBN: 08138-2824-4, Blackwell Publishing), was released. The book contains a collection of articles about critical topics in plant breeding, including ethical and legal issues, impact by technology, and emerging research methods.

Member receives award. Jean-Luc Jannink, small grains breeder, was recognized by the Crop Science Society of America with the Young Crop Scientist Award. One award is given each year to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution in crop science by the age of 37.

Soybean breeder’s research is in the news. Walter Fehr’s work to develop varieties of low-linolenic soybeans was featured on stories written for the Wall Street Journal and for National Public Radio. These soybeans are in the news because their use eliminates the need for hydrogenation, a process that creates trans-fats. New York City recently banned restaurants from using products that contain trans-fats.

Center report receives award. The R.F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding 2006 Center Report received first place in the annual report division of the 2007 competition conducted by the Publications and Projects Committee of NAADA (National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association). The report is designed, edited, and written by Marcia Minear, Administrative Specialist for the Center.

Changes in Center membership. Jean-Luc Jannink, small grains breeder, left Iowa State University to begin work with USDA at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He will continue to collaborate with colleagues at ISU.