The Lynch File: There is no such thing as a gene for higher yield

Over the past 40 years, we have bred higher-yielding crops by improving plant health and not by inserting a ‘yield gene’

by PAT LYNCH

There is a belief that, when breeding crops, you can insert a gene for higher yield. The reality is that “there is no gene for higher yield.” Over the past 40 years, we have bred higher-yielding crops by improving plant health and not by inserting a “yield gene.”

During this time, more money and effort has been put into breeding corn than soys. That is why corn yields continue to grow, while soys yields are levelling off. (The widespread use of bin run soybeans has resulted in less breeding in soys.)

Better Farming January 2008