DEKALB Ag Alumni AssnDEKALB Ag Alumni Assn

www.dekalbalumni.org www.dekalbalumni.org

EARLY CORN BREEDINGEARLY CORN BREEDING

DEKALBDEKALB

Mr. CHARLIE GUNNMr. CHARLIE GUNN

AN ABBREVIATED OVERVIEWAN ABBREVIATED OVERVIEW

D.R. SmithD.R. Smith

Zea SageZea Sage

18651865

Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk, proved the Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk, proved the existence of heritable units (genes) existence of heritable units (genes)

Garden pea cotyledon colorGarden pea cotyledon color

University of IllinoisUniversity of Illinois1896: 1896:

In March at a meeting with Mr. Cyril Hopkins, Mr. In March at a meeting with Mr. Cyril Hopkins, Mr. Eugene Davenport, a livestock specialist, who was Eugene Davenport, a livestock specialist, who was Director of the University of Illinois Agricultural Director of the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, pointed out that corn needed Experiment Station, pointed out that corn needed more protein and oil to be an ideal food for livestock.more protein and oil to be an ideal food for livestock.

Mr. Hopkins, Director Crops and Soils of the Mr. Hopkins, Director Crops and Soils of the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, undertook a project to investigate solutions. The first undertook a project to investigate solutions. The first plots were planted in May of 1896. This would plots were planted in May of 1896. This would become the longest running corn breeding project in become the longest running corn breeding project in the world. It continues today.the world. It continues today.

University of IllinoisUniversity of Illinois18991899: :

Mr. Hopkins’ first report stated that in 4 years strains were Mr. Hopkins’ first report stated that in 4 years strains were developed that had a third to a half more protein or fat than ordinary developed that had a third to a half more protein or fat than ordinary corn.corn.

1900:1900:Mr. Hopkins, a trained chemist, selected another graduating Mr. Hopkins, a trained chemist, selected another graduating chemist to join the program conducting the chemical analyses . Mr. chemist to join the program conducting the chemical analyses . Mr. Edward Murray East joined the program in June 1900. Edward Murray East joined the program in June 1900.

1904:1904:Mr. East was put in charge of the entire breeding program. He Mr. East was put in charge of the entire breeding program. He immediately noted that the higher protein lines were lower yielding immediately noted that the higher protein lines were lower yielding than their ancestors and that as protein levels went up yields went than their ancestors and that as protein levels went up yields went proportionally down.proportionally down.

University of IllinoisUniversity of Illinois19051905: :

The University of Illinois hosted the American Breeders’ Association The University of Illinois hosted the American Breeders’ Association in honor of the work started by Mr.’s Davenport and Hopkins. It was in honor of the work started by Mr.’s Davenport and Hopkins. It was at this conference that Mr. East met Mr. Edward H. Jenkins who at this conference that Mr. East met Mr. Edward H. Jenkins who was the director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. was the director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Mr. East convinced Mr. Hopkins’ that he should retain the identity of Mr. East convinced Mr. Hopkins’ that he should retain the identity of the ears self pollinated by planting them using an ear-to-row the ears self pollinated by planting them using an ear-to-row scheme.scheme.

Plots were planted and it was very evident to Mr. East there were Plots were planted and it was very evident to Mr. East there were vast differences between the ear-to-rows.vast differences between the ear-to-rows.

Mr. Hopkins, who by this time was burdened with administrative Mr. Hopkins, who by this time was burdened with administrative problems, viewed the plots over the summer, was not impressed problems, viewed the plots over the summer, was not impressed and ordered the work discontinued (breeding material was shelved, and ordered the work discontinued (breeding material was shelved, not discarded).not discarded).

Mr. East departed the University of Illinois September 1, 1905Mr. East departed the University of Illinois September 1, 1905

Connecticut Experiment StationConnecticut Experiment Station

19051905: : Mr. Edward M. East started working at the Connecticut Agricultural Mr. Edward M. East started working at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station for Mr. Jenkins shortly after he left the U of I.Experiment Station for Mr. Jenkins shortly after he left the U of I.

Mr. East saw that the easiest way to continue his breeding research Mr. East saw that the easiest way to continue his breeding research was to procure seed from the University of Illinois. He was able to was to procure seed from the University of Illinois. He was able to obtain seed from the research associate with whom he had worked obtain seed from the research associate with whom he had worked over the past few years. This was not made public until 41 years over the past few years. This was not made public until 41 years later. later.

Mr. Jenkins suggested to Mr. East that he summarize the work he Mr. Jenkins suggested to Mr. East that he summarize the work he had conducted while at the University of Illinois had conducted while at the University of Illinois

Connecticut Experiment StationConnecticut Experiment Station19061906: :

Mr. Edward M. East wrote a bulletin entitled,” The Improvement of Mr. Edward M. East wrote a bulletin entitled,” The Improvement of Corn in Connecticut”. This summarized his research at the Corn in Connecticut”. This summarized his research at the University of Illinois where he was able to offer his own views, made University of Illinois where he was able to offer his own views, made future projections of hybrid utilization and tied it to the productivity of future projections of hybrid utilization and tied it to the productivity of corn in Connecticut.corn in Connecticut.

This bulletin offers the suggestion that hybrids made from distinctly This bulletin offers the suggestion that hybrids made from distinctly different varieties could increase yields by 10 Bu/A.different varieties could increase yields by 10 Bu/A.

At this time the burden of producing the seed was targeted for the At this time the burden of producing the seed was targeted for the farmers. The farmers were reluctant to change their long-standing farmers. The farmers were reluctant to change their long-standing tradition of selecting the best ears harvested from their fields for tradition of selecting the best ears harvested from their fields for planting the next year. planting the next year.

Selecting the Best from the BestSelecting the Best from the Best

Prior to hybrid corn, farmers would select the best ears, Prior to hybrid corn, farmers would select the best ears, shell them and plant the seed the following yearshell them and plant the seed the following year

Connecticut Experiment StationConnecticut Experiment Station19071907: :

Mr. East made crosses between:Mr. East made crosses between:• the inbreds he had developed which had now been self the inbreds he had developed which had now been self pollinated 7 yearspollinated 7 years•the inbreds and popular Connecticut varieties the inbreds and popular Connecticut varieties •and the popular Connecticut varieties themselvesand the popular Connecticut varieties themselves

19081908In yield trials the best cross between the inbreds yielded 202 In yield trials the best cross between the inbreds yielded 202 bu/acre, an astonishing yieldbu/acre, an astonishing yield

The best single cross yielded 100 bu/acre more than the best The best single cross yielded 100 bu/acre more than the best Connecticut open-pollinated varietyConnecticut open-pollinated variety

1900 – 1908

INBREEDINGINBREEDING HETEROSISHETEROSISRightRight

1908 Dr. George H. Shull1908 Dr. George H. Shull

Dr. Shull, a scientist at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, and Mr. Dr. Shull, a scientist at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, and Mr. East met in 1908 at an American Breeders’ Association Meeting.East met in 1908 at an American Breeders’ Association Meeting.

Dr. Shull was a speaker and talked about his research on corn. He was Dr. Shull was a speaker and talked about his research on corn. He was convinced that selection from varieties could yield inbreds of convinced that selection from varieties could yield inbreds of innumerable subtypes. He called the procedure the “pure-line method innumerable subtypes. He called the procedure the “pure-line method of corn breeding” and felt that the farmers could develop the inbreds of corn breeding” and felt that the farmers could develop the inbreds and make the hybrids on their own farms.and make the hybrids on their own farms.

Mr. East’s background and previous experience with farmers led him to Mr. East’s background and previous experience with farmers led him to believe a farmer would not take the time and space from his farming believe a farmer would not take the time and space from his farming operation to develop his own inbreds and hybrid seed.operation to develop his own inbreds and hybrid seed.

19091909

New OpportunityNew Opportunity: : Mr. East is offered a teaching position at HarvardMr. East is offered a teaching position at Harvard

Mr. Jenkins did not want to lose the corn breeding effort at the Mr. Jenkins did not want to lose the corn breeding effort at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

The Solution:The Solution:Mr. East will continue to supervise the corn breeding project at the Mr. East will continue to supervise the corn breeding project at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station while teaching at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station while teaching at HarvardHarvard

Mr. Jenkins will hire a technician that can follow Mr. East’s direction Mr. Jenkins will hire a technician that can follow Mr. East’s direction

Mr. Herbert Kendall Hayes was hired to assist Mr. East in the corn Mr. Herbert Kendall Hayes was hired to assist Mr. East in the corn breeding projectbreeding project

19111911

A PublicationA PublicationMr. East and Mr. Hayes published a bulletin of the Mr. East and Mr. Hayes published a bulletin of the

Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station entitled, entitled,

““Inheritance in Maize”Inheritance in Maize”

The bulletin had numerous pictures and much data pointing The bulletin had numerous pictures and much data pointing out the importance of controlled heredity in improving the out the importance of controlled heredity in improving the corn crop. They established that segregation from offspring corn crop. They established that segregation from offspring of the selected crosses was the important and essential of the selected crosses was the important and essential feature of Mendelism (remember the Augustinian monk who feature of Mendelism (remember the Augustinian monk who first identified heritable units). first identified heritable units).

DeKalb County Illinois - 1912DeKalb County Illinois - 1912

In the late 1800’s farmers in DeKalb County recognized the In the late 1800’s farmers in DeKalb County recognized the need for improved soil fertility, balanced rotation of crops, a need for improved soil fertility, balanced rotation of crops, a pure seed law, more farmer control over the pricing and pure seed law, more farmer control over the pricing and marketing of farm produce, and the improvement of crop marketing of farm produce, and the improvement of crop varieties. This led to forming the Farmers Institute which varieties. This led to forming the Farmers Institute which invited knowledgeable people in agriculture to speak and invited knowledgeable people in agriculture to speak and inform the farmers of new technologies and ideas.inform the farmers of new technologies and ideas.

As the Farmer’s Institute success grew, in January, 1912, As the Farmer’s Institute success grew, in January, 1912, local farmers, bankers, and the DeKalb county board of local farmers, bankers, and the DeKalb county board of supervisors met and pledged $10,000 to sustain an annual supervisors met and pledged $10,000 to sustain an annual budget for a new organization that would attack the budget for a new organization that would attack the problems of soil fertility and legume seed. problems of soil fertility and legume seed.

DeKalb County Illinois - 1912DeKalb County Illinois - 1912

The DeKalb Organization hired Mr. William G. Eckhardt to The DeKalb Organization hired Mr. William G. Eckhardt to act as the organization's first farm advisor. This was one of act as the organization's first farm advisor. This was one of the first farm groups in the United States supported by the first farm groups in the United States supported by farmer contributions, the new organization was called the farmer contributions, the new organization was called the DeKalb County Soil Improvement AssociationDeKalb County Soil Improvement Association. .

Mr. Eckhardt traveled widely to secure high quality legume Mr. Eckhardt traveled widely to secure high quality legume seed for the organization’s members and local farmers. seed for the organization’s members and local farmers. The educational services of the DeKalb County Soil The educational services of the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association were rapidly being replaced by Improvement Association were rapidly being replaced by the need for business services to accommodate the the need for business services to accommodate the expansion into seed supply and other business functions.expansion into seed supply and other business functions.

Another Publication - 1912-1915Another Publication - 1912-1915

Mr. East and Mr. Hayes coauthored an article entitled,Mr. East and Mr. Hayes coauthored an article entitled,

““Heterozygous in Evolution and in Plant Breeding”Heterozygous in Evolution and in Plant Breeding”

published by the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States published by the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture in 1912.Department of Agriculture in 1912.

With the hard work and schooling Mr. Hayes had put into With the hard work and schooling Mr. Hayes had put into the corn breeding project at the Connecticut Agricultural the corn breeding project at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, he was offered the position of plant Experiment Station, he was offered the position of plant breeder at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in breeder at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in 1914. Mr. Hayes accepted the position and started in 1914. Mr. Hayes accepted the position and started in January 1915. During his career he distinguished himself January 1915. During his career he distinguished himself through all his contribution in developing the theory in through all his contribution in developing the theory in practical corn breedingpractical corn breeding

19151915With Mr. Hayes departing to go to Minnesota, his position at With Mr. Hayes departing to go to Minnesota, his position at Connecticut needed to be refilled. Mr. East turned to a Connecticut needed to be refilled. Mr. East turned to a student of his from Kansas, Mr. Donald F. Jones replaced student of his from Kansas, Mr. Donald F. Jones replaced Mr. Hayes at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Mr. Hayes at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in February 1915. Station in February 1915.

In reviewing the project Mr. East maintained the way to In reviewing the project Mr. East maintained the way to utilize hybrid vigor was through the use of varietal hybrids. utilize hybrid vigor was through the use of varietal hybrids. Not enough seed could be made from inbreds to use them Not enough seed could be made from inbreds to use them for making seed for farmers to plant.for making seed for farmers to plant.

Following the 1915 season, Mr. Jones was so impressed Following the 1915 season, Mr. Jones was so impressed with the ears from the single crosses made from the inbreds with the ears from the single crosses made from the inbreds he convinced Mr. East to investigate further.he convinced Mr. East to investigate further.

19161916Mr. Jones and Mr. East planned a very special crossing Mr. Jones and Mr. East planned a very special crossing block for the 1916 season. All of the better inbreds which block for the 1916 season. All of the better inbreds which had been developed at the Connecticut Agricultural had been developed at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station were to be crossed in all possible Experiment Station were to be crossed in all possible combinations and tested during the 1917 growing season.combinations and tested during the 1917 growing season.

At harvest time Mr. Jones noted how small the ears were on At harvest time Mr. Jones noted how small the ears were on the inbreds and felt Mr. East might be right that they could the inbreds and felt Mr. East might be right that they could never be of practical use to produce seed for farmers.never be of practical use to produce seed for farmers.

BUT, WHAT IF MR. JONES CROSSEDBUT, WHAT IF MR. JONES CROSSED

TWO SINGLE CROSSES?TWO SINGLE CROSSES?

1917 1917

The United States enters into World War I. The United States enters into World War I.

Mr. Jones identifies the two most outstanding single cross Mr. Jones identifies the two most outstanding single cross hybrids from all that were made during 1916 and crosses hybrids from all that were made during 1916 and crosses them. them.

• One hybrid was made from inbreds developed at the University of One hybrid was made from inbreds developed at the University of Illinois from the variety LeamingIllinois from the variety Leaming•The other hybrid was made from inbreds developed by Mr. Hayes The other hybrid was made from inbreds developed by Mr. Hayes from the variety Burr Whitefrom the variety Burr White

The DeKalb County Agricultural Association was incorporated. The DeKalb County Agricultural Association was incorporated.

1917 DeKalb County Illinois1917 DeKalb County Illinois

June 2, 1917, the DeKalb County Soil Improvement June 2, 1917, the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association was separated into two organizations. One was Association was separated into two organizations. One was to become to become DeKalb County Farm BureauDeKalb County Farm Bureau and the other and the other was incorporated as the was incorporated as the DeKalb County Agricultural DeKalb County Agricultural AssociationAssociation to become engaged in the commercial seed to become engaged in the commercial seed business. business.

The DeKalb County Agricultural Association’s first business The DeKalb County Agricultural Association’s first business transaction was to purchase legume seed, limestone, and to transaction was to purchase legume seed, limestone, and to handle seed corn. In those days, seed corn was open handle seed corn. In those days, seed corn was open pollinated and varied in quality from one year to the next. pollinated and varied in quality from one year to the next. One of Mr. Eckhardt's priorities was to develop a seed corn One of Mr. Eckhardt's priorities was to develop a seed corn that was of extremely high quality and increased yield and that was of extremely high quality and increased yield and could be sold to farmers in the area. could be sold to farmers in the area.

1917 DeKalb County Illinois1917 DeKalb County Illinois

Mr. Charlie Gunn was hired as corn breeder by the DeKalb Mr. Charlie Gunn was hired as corn breeder by the DeKalb County Agricultural Association. His main objective was to County Agricultural Association. His main objective was to improve a variety, Western Plowman to be more adapted to improve a variety, Western Plowman to be more adapted to Northern Illinois. Northern Illinois.

Mr. Thomas H. Roberts Sr. was elected secretary/treasurer Mr. Thomas H. Roberts Sr. was elected secretary/treasurer of the DeKalb County Agricultural Association. of the DeKalb County Agricultural Association.

1918 – 1924: Results from the 1918 – 1924: Results from the First Double CrossFirst Double Cross

Mr. Jones’ crosses, which was the first double cross, from the Mr. Jones’ crosses, which was the first double cross, from the 1917 crosses of the Leaming hybrid crossed to the Burr White 1917 crosses of the Leaming hybrid crossed to the Burr White hybrid were planted, came up strong and looked nearly as hybrid were planted, came up strong and looked nearly as uniform as the parental crosses.uniform as the parental crosses.

The real test was the yield at harvest. The double cross yielded The real test was the yield at harvest. The double cross yielded 116 Bu/Acre which beat all single crosses in test. It yielded 20% 116 Bu/Acre which beat all single crosses in test. It yielded 20% more than the highest yielding variety. Mr. Jones repeated the more than the highest yielding variety. Mr. Jones repeated the study for 5 more consecutive years. At the end of the study the study for 5 more consecutive years. At the end of the study the double cross had averaged 83 Bu/Acre, 20% more than the double cross had averaged 83 Bu/Acre, 20% more than the highest yielding variety. highest yielding variety.

New possibilities for modern corn production were born.New possibilities for modern corn production were born.

Early 1920’s - Henry C. Wallace meets with Early 1920’s - Henry C. Wallace meets with Tom Roberts and Charlie Gunn Tom Roberts and Charlie Gunn

1924 DEKALB Observation Entries1924 DEKALB Observation Entries

1925 Discretion in Research1925 Discretion in Research

DEKALB ALUMNI NEWS – JULY 2007DEKALB ALUMNI NEWS – JULY 2007

First DEKALBFirst DEKALB

NurseryNursery

19251925

1925 Pollinating Supplies for DEKALB1925 Pollinating Supplies for DEKALB

1925 Notes on Plot Husbandry1925 Notes on Plot Husbandry

1928 DEKALB1928 DEKALB

CrossingCrossing

InventoryInventory

1929 DEKALB1929 DEKALB

Corn FieldCorn Field

MapMap

Successful Breeding Relies on Good Notes Successful Breeding Relies on Good Notes

DetailedDetailed

NotesNotes

PayPay

OffOff

1927 – 1930 Mr. Gunn’s Initial Charge1927 – 1930 Mr. Gunn’s Initial Charge

First First

Parental IncreaseParental Increase

19311931

Hybrid Yield Trial Hybrid Yield Trial

Results Before Results Before

ComputersComputers

1933 DEKALB Hybrid Corn Demonstration

During Mr. Gunn’s 35 year career with DEKALB, he or his research During Mr. Gunn’s 35 year career with DEKALB, he or his research staff developed and released over 300 hybrids.staff developed and released over 300 hybrids.

The first hybrid, marketed in 1934 as 3A, later became DeKalb 203 The first hybrid, marketed in 1934 as 3A, later became DeKalb 203 after a hybrid nomenclature system was adopted. after a hybrid nomenclature system was adopted.

The most notable hybrid he developed was DeKalb 404A.The most notable hybrid he developed was DeKalb 404A.

Upon retirement he actively continued special projects. Developing Upon retirement he actively continued special projects. Developing prolificacy (multiple ears) was of extreme interest to him and prolificacy (multiple ears) was of extreme interest to him and thought to be a way to directly increase yields. thought to be a way to directly increase yields.

His work and successes were acknowledged by his colleagues in His work and successes were acknowledged by his colleagues in Academia, Government and competitive companies. Academia, Government and competitive companies.

Mr. Gunn’s CareerMr. Gunn’s Career

From ProjectFrom Project

LeaderLeader

ToTo

Team Team

LeaderLeader

In 1939, DeKalb 404A, a 102 RM double-cross hybrid developed by In 1939, DeKalb 404A, a 102 RM double-cross hybrid developed by Charlie Gunn at DeKalb, Illinois, is first grown commercially. It Charlie Gunn at DeKalb, Illinois, is first grown commercially. It yields well with long ears and harvest early. DeKalb 404A is the yields well with long ears and harvest early. DeKalb 404A is the most outstanding hybrid of the first great decade of hybrid corn. It is most outstanding hybrid of the first great decade of hybrid corn. It is grown from northern Nebraska across Iowa and southern grown from northern Nebraska across Iowa and southern Minnesota, and east through north-central Ohio and southern Minnesota, and east through north-central Ohio and southern Michigan. It introduces higher yields for shorter growing seasons, Michigan. It introduces higher yields for shorter growing seasons, moving the U.S. Corn Belt 200 miles north. It is the first popular moving the U.S. Corn Belt 200 miles north. It is the first popular and most popular proprietary double-cross hybrid. In its fourth year, and most popular proprietary double-cross hybrid. In its fourth year, it sells more than 300,000 bags, which it does seven times in its 25-it sells more than 300,000 bags, which it does seven times in its 25-year period. DeKalb 404A annual sales exceed 500,000 bags in year period. DeKalb 404A annual sales exceed 500,000 bags in 1946 and 1948. 1946 and 1948.

Total sales were 5.5 million bags.Total sales were 5.5 million bags.

DeKalb 404ADeKalb 404A

1943 DEKALB/Mr. Gunn WWII Effort 1943 DEKALB/Mr. Gunn WWII Effort

Mr. Charlie GunnMr. Charlie Gunn

PhotographsPhotographs

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKSCONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS

Mr. Gunn’s Legacy for DEKALBMr. Gunn’s Legacy for DEKALBA Humble Beginning to a Global IndustryA Humble Beginning to a Global Industry

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60

80

100

120

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1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Bu

/A

YEAR

US Corn Yields 1866-2009

b=0.01

b=1.04

b=1.72

b=2.66

Open pollinated

Double cross

Singlecross

Transgenic Single cross

AND THE PROGRESS CONTINUESAND THE PROGRESS CONTINUES

Resource MaterialResource Material

•Crabb, Richard A., 1947. The Hybrid-Corn Makers. Rutgers Crabb, Richard A., 1947. The Hybrid-Corn Makers. Rutgers University Press. 331pps. University Press. 331pps. •http://www.anbhf.org/laureates/troberts.htmlhttp://www.anbhf.org/laureates/troberts.html•http://www.dekalbalumni.org/history/Invironments_DAA_Article.pdf•http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/DeKalb-Genetics-Corporation-Company-History.html•http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/crops_02.html•Troyer, A. Forrest. 2004. Background of U.S. Hybrid Corn II: Breeding, Climate, and Food. Crop Sci. 44:370-380.