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Anastasia B on 30 August 2009
My first publication can now be viewed at the Theoretical and Applied Genetics (aka TAG) website. I’m the second of three authors of Wide variability in kernel composition, seed characteristics, and zein profiles among diverse maize inbreds, landraces, and teosinte. Sherry Flint-Garcia, the 1st author on this paper, is a young scientist already well known in maize genetics and a pleasure to work with.
My role was to collect and analyze data on the seed storage proteins (aka zeins) in maize inbreds, landraces, and teosintes. The similarity within the groups and differences across the groups is just amazing. Studies such as this one show just how important it is to maintain populations of crop relatives, if not for any other reason than as a source of genes for breeding.
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Anastasia B on 30 August 2009
In the midst of literature review for a long, complicated post on gene flow between maize and teosinte (yes, this is how I spend my Saturday nights / Sunday mornings, thanks), I came across the following article in Science Daily from 12 October 2000: Gene Barrier In Corn May Boost Trade, Environment.
Working with teosinte, a wild cousin of maize, a University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist has found a molecular barrier that, bred into modern hybrid corn, is capable of completely locking out foreign genes, including those from genetically modified corn.
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Anastasia B on 26 August 2009
I met Kevin Montgomery of Montgomery Consulting at NCCC167 at Allerton Park, Illinois back in March. He specializes in native trait development, such as herbicide tolerance, enhanced nutritional quality, high yield, improved germination, and good stand establishment.
One of the most interesting of these native traits is what Kevin calls FACE (fall armyworm corn earworm). This trait, which confers resistance to armyworm and earworm, originates in tropical germplasm. Kevin is hoping to provide an
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Anastasia B on 26 August 2009
Many people who garden or make home preserves might be interested in selling their produce and products at the local farmers market or other places, but might not know what laws regulate sale of such items. Now, people can easily find out, thanks to the Leopold Center at Iowa State University. Their FAQs on Food Regulations for Small Market Food Producers provides information and resources.
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Eat food, not too much, mostly plants
It just occured to me that I’ve been pushing what could be seen as a mando-vegan agenda here, on twitter, and in real life. I just wanted to take a moment to clarify. No references, although I’d be happy to provide if anyone asks…
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