Breeding Progress Contributes to Improved Regional Maize Water Productivity

Strategic Insights -

A new study by Corteva Agriscience has shed light on the importance of plant breeding in achieving improved regional maize water productivity. The research reveals that the genetic component of this increase was 1.9% year-1, representing 45% of the total gain. This significant contribution has positioned plant breeding as a major technological contributor in the generation of more water productive rainfed cropping systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that agricultural water productivity increased by 0.191 kg ha-1 mm-1 year-1, corresponding to a relative rate of 4.2% year-1, in the center of the US corn-belt.
  • The increase in grain production resulted in a water productivity gain of 45% due to genetic progress in maize.
  • The genetic component of this increase was 1.9% year-1, representing 45% of the total gain.
  • The study analyzed 61 historical maize genotypes commercially released for farmers in the region since 1934, and conducted 28 individual experiments over a period of nine years.
  • The research concluded that plant breeding is a major technological contributor to improved regional maize water productivity, reducing the need for additional agricultural freshwater.

Statistics:

  • Agricultural water productivity increased by 0.191 kg ha-1 mm-1 year-1.
  • Relative rate of increase was 4.2% year-1.
  • Genetic component of the increase was 1.9% year-1.
  • Total water productivity gain was 45% due to genetic progress in maize.
  • 61 historical maize genotypes were analyzed, commercially released for farmers in the region since 1934.
  • 28 individual experiments were conducted over a period of nine years.
  • The study demonstrated that plant breeding contributed 45% to the total gain.

Sources:

  • Ezquerro, et al. "Breeding progress is a major contributor to improved regional maize water productivity." Scientific Reports, 2025, 15(1):1-10. (Scientific Reports - http://www.nature.com/srep/index.html). The publisher for Scientific Reports is Nature Portfolio. A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96534-1.