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Iowa Corn receives patent for nitrogen gene

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board has received a patent on a gene that improves nitrogen efficiency in growing corn.  The technology is the result of a collaboration with two private research and development firms.

Iowa Corn Promotion Board member Larry Klever of Audubon says there are two objectives to their research with the gene—either to increase yield without increasing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used to grow corn or obtain the same yield with less fertilizer.

Klever says their data indicates the gene assimilates more nitrogen and increases kernel number, which could translate to greater yields for farmers.  It will also mean reduced impact on the environment and reduced energy requirements to grow a corn crop.

Klever says the goal is to get the trait licensed and commercialized by seed companies.