Status message

To participate, you must create a profile and join this project

Nitrogen fixing, flour corn grex seed generation

Growing out a grex of flour corn to increase genetic flow and increase seed. This population contains nitrogen fixing corn obtained from the USDA GRIN Database.
Description

I'm creating a new grex of flour corns with a very diverse background ranging from the desert southwest to the pacific northwest, the great lakes, and the north east. The goal of the project is to create a large quantity of seed to distribute to people who wish to breed a flour corn adapted to their area. I really need growers in mild climates, preferably in growing zones 8-4. After a large population of seed is established, we can work on selecting for individual climates. UPDATED FOR 2025 after the first growout it was discovered that some of the parent stock from the USDA contained Nitrogen fixing individuals, and further selection will increase the adaptability of this trait into an even more robust landrace.

Researcher background
I've been breeding a variety of crops the last 5 years, and have really struggled to find a flour corn that can cope with the whiplash of my micro climate from year to year.
Are you seeking volunteer growers or other types of volunteers?
Yes, seeking volunteer growers
How many volunteers do you need?
5
What will you ask volunteers to do?
Volunteers will be asked to prioritize seed generation so the use of fertilizers organic or not, is permitted. As well as deterrents like bt or spinosad to protect ears. Isolation is of high importance from comercial corn. Growers are expected to keep some of the seed produced to continue growing the year after.
Other requirements of volunteers?
Looking for people experienced with corn, and with enough land to grow as much corn in isolation as possible. Minimum 500 sq ft. Up to ½ acre.
Is this a multi-year project?
Yes
Can volunteers expect to be able to keep some germplasm (seeds, bulbs, cuttings, spores, etc) at the close of the project?
Yes, of course
Anything else?
Desperate for reliable volunteers
Researcher Location

52060
United States

Agro-Ecology or Permaculture
Plant Breeding
Seed-Saving

Project Updates

Seed availability


project update by
ravenpinesfarm
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 03:04

With all the seed collected, I have enough seed for 4-5 volunteers. If you're interested please contact me at ravenpinesfarm@gmail.com

I'd like to get commitments by march 2025, so that I have time to set seed aside so I know how much room I need for my own plot.

ATTN volunteers!


project update by
ravenpinesfarm
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 - 09:24

Contact me at "ravenpinesfarm@gmail.com" to reach me. I've had trouble using the emailing feature on this website, so once you join as a volunteer, please message me directly and we can go from there! The current crop is doing well so i expect to have enough seed for at least two people or more depending upon the availability of space in your fields/gardens.