This group's work will help improve predictions about what parents will make superior hybrid products with high yield potential. Gene expression profiling also helps breeders to understand and predict the performance and yield stability of corn hybrids in different environments. Yield Stability -A combination of tools from molecular biology, physiology, genomics, molecular genetics and biochemistry enables this group of scientists to improve yield potential for customers. In this broad approach, the group not only works with natural variation via molecular markers and conventional breeding, it also develops novel genetic variation through gene transfer strategies. The yield stability group is closely involved with individuals in hybrid development to test the utility of yield stability technologies in newly-developed Pioneer products.
Pioneer delivers value-enhanced products to the market as efficiently as possible.
Scientists in Plant Reproductive Biology are developing a genetically engineered system of pollen control in maize, male sterility, that reduces production costs. The current most common method of pollen control is physically removing the tassels of all plants used as female parents, called detasseling. This requires thousands of temporary workers. Through male sterility in maize, detasseling is not necessary. Currently, Pioneer is using male sterility in less than 10 percent of its products.