WaterburyTwp. - 2/8/2024 09:16

I hear this idea that breeding has really turned the corner alot, and to some degree I do agree. But the question I'd ask is when exactly did they turn the corner? Where would you draw the line and say "here is where corn started to only require 7inches of rain a year" ?
I bet a large chunk of producers grew hybrids in 23 that were originally released in the 2015-2018 time frame, as guys like to hold on to the few numbers they like until they are pulled.
I think a reasonable portion of the drought tolerance we have noticed lately can be attributed to elevated co2 levels, which in turn allows the plant to absorb much more water vapor from the air/atmosphere while also decreasing its total water demand through transpiration. Kinda like a greenhouse. The seeds are doing alot more than they ever did, yes, but I think they get to much credit.