Hybrid Corn Breeding Hitting Genetic Roadblock

A new study has revealed a major genetic weakness in hybrid corn breeding that could have significant implications for global food production.

The research, published in G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics, found that a third of the world's corn production relies on 'hybrid vigor' - heterosis - where parents from different heterotic groups are crossed to produce superior offspring.

However, the study suggests that this approach may be reaching its limits due to a gradual reduction in genetic variability. The strongest performing lines being used as parents have led to a decrease in overall genetic variation, which could compromise the development of new hybrids with high yields.