200506 Corn Research 853

Brandi Sigmon and Christine Smith pours a packet of seeds into the hopper as the tractor slowly travels the field. James Schnable corn research group plants at agronomy fields at 84th and Havelock in northeast Lincoln. Schnable’s lab studies grain DNA to find the best varieties for breeding and genetic modification to help with traits including yields and drought resistance. The 2.5-acre plot was being planted with 752 genotypes in 1680 precisely randomized plots. To plant those plots along with a check genotype, the researchers used 1860 packets of seeds manually poured into a hopper every 7 seconds while sitting atop a custom research planter. May 6, 2020. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communication.