Bayer's New Short Corn Variety Resists Winds, Falters Over 100 mph

Resilient Short Stature Corn Shows Promise in Severe Weather Trials

Bayer has announced that its Preceon variety of short stature corn demonstrated remarkable resilience in trials, withstanding wind speeds up to 75 mph (120 kph). Despite this resilience, the corn was found vulnerable to winds exceeding 100 mph, potentially suffering damage from extreme weather events similar to the derecho that struck the Corn Belt in August 2020, leading to an estimated $11 billion in damages.

Derechos are extensive, long-lasting thunderstorms characterized by damaging straight-line winds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration highlights the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events due to global warming.

"After 100 mph, nothing really stands," remarked Bob Reiter, who heads research and development in crop science at Bayer. Currently, other short stature corn varieties can withstand winds up to 50 mph, making Preceon a significant improvement.

Trial Performance and Future Developments

In 2023, 390 farmers across the U.S. and Europe cultivated the Preceon variety over approximately 35,000 acres as part of a trial for its conventionally bred version. Bayer aims to launch a genetically modified version by 2027, simultaneously developing a gene-edited variant to meet the demands of diverse global markets.

Climate Change and Agricultural Impact

The shorter stature of this corn is designed to reduce yield losses by limiting the wind impact on taller plants. As temperatures rise due to climate change, events like the devastating derecho storm may become more frequent and severe, posing a growing threat to agriculture.

Nick Vita, a forecaster with Commodity Weather Group, emphasized the correlation between warmer temperatures and the increasing intensity and duration of severe weather systems. As climate change continues to escalate, the agricultural sector must adapt to preserve crop yields and ensure food security.