Monsanto's Corn (Maize) Research Team in Africa focuses on the development, characterization, and commercialization of superior maize hybrids that contain value-added traits. This dynamic team includes a diverse group of scientists that are trained and skilled in following a multi-disciplinary approach to maize breeding.

In order to develop adapted maize hybrids, the corn research group has extensive germplasm development teams that develop and identify promising inbred parents. These parentals are then crossed to each other and tested across many different environments representing the full range of stress and non-stress conditions in South Africa. Monsanto is fortunate to have a truly global breeding effort, where germplasm is shared across countries. Breeding for local adaptation to South African conditions is extremely important since South Africa has its own stress conditions that need to be bred for. Key traits that are focused on in the breeding program are yield, dry-down, standability, grain quality, and resistance to diseases such as Northern Leaf Blight, Rust, Diplodia and GLS.

Being a technology company, Monsanto's breeding programs make full use of marker-assisted breeding and various other lab-based techniques to ensure that breeding generations are reduced as much as possible. This reduces the time that it takes to bring our superior hybrids to the market. Our research team also incorporate value-added traits such as BT and Roundup Ready into our elite hybrids. The integration of these transgenic traits is a multi-stage process during which a stringent quality assurance and field testing process is undertaken. Yield testing within Monsanto's research team is enabled by the use of the best mechanical planters and combines that are available. This ensures that not only are we able to plant a larger number of trials, but that the data that is collected is accurate. These trials are also designed to mimic on-farm conditions as closely as possible.

For further information on Monsanto's Corn Research efforts in Africa, please feel free to contact Monsanto's Corn (Maize) Research Lead in Africa, Dr Trevor Hohls, at trevor.hohls@monsanto.com