Kelly Dawe (left), an associate professor of plant biology, along with Wayne Parrott, a professor of crop and soil science, are involved in a project on artificial corn chromosomes. The work may one day make it possible to grow corn on lands where weather or other conditions now prevent it.

Kernel of an idea: $5.6 million grant from National Science Foundation aims at corn improvement

Corn is by far the most important cereal grain grown in the United States, and a project at UGA that could one day lead to the development of artificial corn chromosomes has been awarded a five-year grant by the National Science Foundation for $5.6 million.

Artificial chromosomes could provide breakthroughs in corn production. For instance, genes protecting crops against drought or insects could be “built” into new cultivars, making it possible to grow the grain on lands where weather or other conditions now make it impossible.

University employee dies after accident on construction site
James H. Elrod, a physical plant employee, was killed Aug. 9 when a steam pipe on which he was working exploded on South Campus. Elrod, 53, had been with the university for 13 years.