Genetic Approaches to Accelerated Yield Gains in Maize.

Achieving 200 to 250 bushels/acre (12.5 to 15.6 t/ha) yield averages in Iowa and Illinois and having producers who routinely reach the 300 bushel/acre (18.75 t/ha) average, are two often goals of where we should be in corn production. This presentation will explore what it will take genetically to achieve these kinds of yields and what some of the bottlenecks or limitations will be in getting there. Achieving these goals will require dramatic increases in the the rates of genetic gains and better attainment of the genetic potential that is already there. The questions that will be addressed include: 1) What will it take to double genetic gain? 2) What role will technology play in doubling genetic gains? and 3) Can transgenes contribute to a doubling of genetic gain?