Bioengineered Corn Nothing New
WASHINGTON --
Researchers say ancient Indians were breeding corn into a valued food plant
more than 4,000 years ago.
The researchers say the modifications produced the large cobs and fat
kernels that make corn one of humanity's most important foods.
The study looked at genes of cobs found in Mexico and the U.S. Southwest.
It found three key genetic variants were systematically enhanced, probably
through selective cultivation, over thousands of years.
The researchers say the Indians started with corn's wild ancestor, a
grasslike plant with small cobs and kernels in hard shells. Their result, a
plant with bigger cobs and kernels with soft shells, could not grow in the wild.
The international study is in the journal Science.
Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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