DuPont has unveiled its mobile wind machines, Boreas, which test the ability of higher-yielding experimental corn hybrids to withstand violent wind storms that cause significant standability issues and subsequent yield loss.
Boreas challenges DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred corn research trials to help scientists improve the standability of Pioneer corn hybrids by producing turbulent winds exceeding 100 miles per hour. These 20-tonne mobile wind machines are the newest tool in the company's Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT) system toolbox, and a critical component of the Pioneer commitment to increase corn yields 40 percent within the next nine years.
The machines were created top help identify hybrids with the best standability in the most difficult growing conditions, said Geoff Graham, Pioneer senior research director.
Standability is one of the biggest challenges farmers face as more seeds are planted to each acre. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of the corn acres in North America can be impacted by root lodging, stalk lodging or brittle snap each year. Root lodging occurs when environmental forces exceed the ability of the root system to support the plant, causing the entire corn stalk to lean or fall. Stalk lodging is the breakage of corn stalks below the ear. Brittle snap refers to breakage of corn stalks by violent winds, usually during periods of fast growth.
Pioneer plant breeders are constantly challenged to develop higher yielding plants with a stalk and root structure that can withstand violent storms when planted at higher populations. Pioneer is utilising Boreas to improve corn standability as it pushes corn yields and plant populations even higher.
Prior to Boreas, researchers depended on natural storm events and mechanical ''push'' tests, which used a bar or other instrument to physically push the corn to simulate damage due to high winds. Boreas represents a revolutionary transformation in how Pioneer plant researchers approach field research studies for standability traits by imitating the variety and intensity of winds that occur during violent storms.
Pioneer scientists began using Boreas five years ago, but have kept the technology under wraps until patents were filed. Today, Pioneer scientists are using multiple trait-specific, high-throughput machines to screen for root lodging, stalk lodging and brittle snap. Testing is conducted across multiple environments and developmental stages throughout North America and compared with natural weather events to ensure the viability and predictability of the data.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customised solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
