If you happen to be driving along a certain New York highway late at night, you might just see an eery glow lighting the sky long after the sun has set. Believe it or not, you have just stumbled upon the world's tallest cornstalk. Most commercially grown strains of corn typically reach heights of about 8 feet. A researcher in New York has created the world's tallest corn plants which can reach the incredible height of 45 feet! That's as tall as a four story building! Researcher Jason Karl is responsible for creating this "monster corn". He began with a variety of corn (maize) from Mexico called Chiapas 234 which normally grows a bit taller than common U.S. varieties. Next, he artificially manipulated the day length and wavelengths of light by growing this corn in a special greenhouse. Finally, he added a gene called Leafy1 which stimulates extra growth. Put together, these three factors resulted in corn more than 5 times taller than the typical commercial varieties seen blanketing the landscape of the Midwest. |
Although this new corn may not be practical for commercial plantings, research of this type helps scientists learn more about the various factors affecting corn growth. The knowledge gained may someday become a part of new, improved varieties of corn that could help feed an ever growing population.
As for Jason Karl, he isn't yet satisfied with the 45 foot tall corn he has grown. He believes that with further research and experimentation, it will be possible to grow corn that is even taller. Look out "Jack and the Beanstalk"... Jason Karl is growing corn that is reaching for the sky.
The full article can be seen at: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/worlds-tallest-corn-towers-nearly-14-meters.
As for Jason Karl, he isn't yet satisfied with the 45 foot tall corn he has grown. He believes that with further research and experimentation, it will be possible to grow corn that is even taller. Look out "Jack and the Beanstalk"... Jason Karl is growing corn that is reaching for the sky.
The full article can be seen at: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/worlds-tallest-corn-towers-nearly-14-meters.