The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization has granted an exclusive worldwide license to Ag Alumni Seed, based in Romney, Indiana, for a short-stature corn inbred called D16. Developed by Guri Johal, a professor of botany and plant pathology in Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, D16 is a non-GMO trait and is specifically designed for popcorn, with applications limited to popcorn and not other types of corn.
The development of D16 was made possible through traditional breeding techniques, without the incorporation of any foreign DNA into the corn. Ag Alumni Seed has supported multiple research projects at Purdue University, contributing both financial and in-kind resources. Development of D16 began a decade ago with research conducted by Johal at the company’s facility in Romney.
The benefits of D16 for farmers are numerous. A shorter plant like D16 is less likely to break, fall over, or “lodge” under stress from high winds or severe weather, reducing the risk of grain contamination. Shorter-stature corn may also improve sustainability by allowing farmers to grow more plants per acre, utilizing water and fertilizer more efficiently. Additionally, D16 may enhance yield reliability for farmers.
Ag Alumni Seed plans to develop new hybrids with the shorter-stature feature using their Southern Hemisphere facilities and will test these new hybrids alongside their current ones in U.S. trials. Based on the results of these trials, decisions will be made about conducting further trials and commercializing D16 hybrids.
Ag Alumni Seed, a leading breeder, producer, and marketer of hybrid popcorn seed, has a strong research team with nurseries in varying climatic areas globally. This allows them to develop high-performing popcorn hybrids that meet customer needs for regional adaptation, disease resistance, yield, and other characteristics.
The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which granted the exclusive license for D16, is known for its comprehensive technology transfer programs and its support for the economic development initiatives of Purdue University. In fiscal year 2023, the office reported a high number of deals finalized, technologies signed, disclosures received, and patents issued.
This partnership between Purdue University and Ag Alumni Seed showcases the value of academic-industry collaborations in advancing agricultural technology and sustainability. Additionally, it emphasizes the potential benefits of traditional breeding techniques in developing traits that enhance crop productivity and resilience.
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