Everyone interested in corn breeding, genetic diversity, and genetic research is invited to attend the annual GEM Field Day at Ames on Sept. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Maize breeding materials demonstrated include historical inbreds, hybrids, BSSS and BSCB1 synthetics (C0 and C17), modern day Ames GEM releases (25% tropical) and Raleigh GEM releases (50% tropical), and double haploid lines derived from exotic maize landraces. Plant breeding and other interested students and faculty can be guided through dedicated areas of the nursery from initial generation of breeding crosses through successive generations of advancement and testing prior to line release, and discuss the factors involved. Walter Trevisan, a world authority on maize germplasm and current chair of the GEM Technical Steering Group will be on hand to share his expertise as well.