We are working to establish a maize breeding and varietal development program that addresses the concerns of organic farmers. In our current research project, we focus our activities on:
- Evaluating the phenotypic response of maize hybrids above and below ground to varying soil nitrogen and weed pressure levels.
- Examining the relationship between root characteristics and agronomic performance of maize hybrids.
- Comparing the root structure of maize hybrids developed for conventional high input systems to those selected for organically managed environments.
- Comparing the yield response of maize hybrids in controlled organic experiments to their performance in on-farm strip trials within a variety-testing network.
