Hybridization of Corn

One of the most important things I learned in school was Gregor Mendel's studies that led to the hybridization of corn.

If you plot the population of man since the birth of Christ the curve is realitively flat until you get to the late 1800's and early 1900's. Then the curve goes straight up as the population of man exploded. This is a very short period of time compared to earth's existence.

I have always contended that the hybridization of corn is key to this growth as food production doubled in a very short period of time.

Then the use of fertilizer and machinery became very important to grow, manage and utilize the increased crop. It is difficult to understand the change in society in such a short period of time.

Norman Borlaug is credited for the Green Revolution but it all started with Gregor Mendel. This is basic science I feel all people need to understand about their existence.

Would we be here without these discoveries? I doubt it. I give thanks for it and try to do my part in sharing what I have learned for the benefit of all.

This is why school is so important. Learning is key to the advancement of man. I learn something every day and do my best to share it. This blog has been my latest effort to do just that.

Still, we have to use some judgment. Not all discoveries or knowledge is good for man. Greed and power can ruin all advancement. Man's history shows that as much or more than the advancement of good.

Our Native American's had a good thing, a simple life. They picked the best ears of corn like my grandpa did to plant the next crop. These inbreds led to crossing these genes for the hybrids we have today.

Thanks to hybridization we can feed and fuel our population beyond our dreams. Corn isn't just subsistance any more, it is expansion of existance.

The next time you consume a corn product from the beverage you are drinking to the gasoline mixture you are pumping into your car, remember the Indian, Gregor Mendel and the American Farmer. Thanks to them we are here and enjoying a comfortable life compared to others.

We live in America, home of the Native American and the Corn Belt "where corn is grown and future farmers meet."