Genetic code of corn cracked

TUCSON, March 3 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers said they have cracked the genetic code of corn, one of the world's most important food and biofuel crops.

Researchers from Washington University, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Iowa State University and the University of Arizona used a genetic physical map created by the University of Arizona to complete a working draft of the corn genome.

The group sequenced a variety of corn known as B73, developed at Iowa State University, that is known for high grain yields and has been used extensively in both commercial corn breeding and in research laboratories. The draft covers about 95 percent of the corn genome.

University of Arizona plant scientist Rod Wing said that the data could be used to develop new strains of maize that can survive drought or respond better to climate change, as well as strains with higher yields to help feed the planet's growing population, the university said in a release.

The genetic blueprint was announced Thursday at the 50th Annual Maize Genetics Conference in Washington.