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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Synergistic, Sweet Gene and Sweet Breed Sweet corn types

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  • From: Bill Shoemaker <wshoemak AT illinois.edu>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Synergistic, Sweet Gene and Sweet Breed Sweet corn types
  • Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:55:17 -0500 (CDT)

Nice overview of sweet corn genetics Wyatt. Just a couple of comments. The su
gene was discovered by native Americans and is the sweetening gene for the
original sweet corn varieties, including heirloom types (Golden Bantam, Early
Sunrise, Country Gentleman, etc). The sh2 gene was discovered at the Univ of
Illinois in the late 50's. It was responsible for the early supersweets like
Illini Extra-Sweet, which was developed through classical breeding. Then,
another researcher at the Univ of Illinois found the se gene, which was used
to develop the EH varieties, again through classical breeding techniques.
Tuxedo is one of those varieties. Since then, the seed companies have been
leveraging classical breeding techniques to create the new types which
combine these genes to create interesting combinations, such as synergistics,
triple sweets, Mirai, etc. None of these use genetic engineering techniques.

But, there really are genetically engineered sweet corn varieties. These are
engineered to have the Bt gene, which makes them resistant to earworm, corn
borer and other lepidopteran insects (worms). These must be declared to be
GMO's. If a company sells seed which has been genetically engineered without
declaring it, they are violation of the law. But you're right, it is possible
for pollen from genetically engineered corn to pollinate seed in sweet corn
production fields. There are strict rules about where these seed fields are
grown and their proximity to other seed corn fields. But it can still happen.
The point is, it should only happen rarely and in a very small way. I hope
none of you who are certified organic ever have to cope with that problem.

Bill
William H Shoemaker, UI-NRES
Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
St Charles Horticulture Research Center
535 Randall Road St Charles, IL 60174
630-584-7254; FAX-584-4610




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