This document discusses the development of drought-tolerant corn varieties that can provide higher and more consistent yields even when experiencing moderate drought stress. Phase 1 proof of concept trials from 2004 showed yield improvements of 11-30% from two gene leads under drought conditions. Further commercial development and testing of these varieties has the potential to benefit most corn acres by improving water use and reducing irrigation costs.

1. Corn Yield - Drought Tolerance
Product Concept
Yield improvement from tolerance to water deficits
Chronic Drought Stress & Periodic Water Deficit Stress
Opportunity )
Impact on all corn acres with potential to
expand corn acreage
house
Benefits
Green
Yield protection (higher & more consistent) on
acres experiencing moderate drought stress
Reduced irrigation costs
2004 Field
Potential to enhance yield on most corn acres
Trials
through improved water use
Status
Phase 1: Proof of concept established
Next: Commercial event selection/stacking/testing
Discovery Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 4
Phase 2 Launch
Proof of Concept Adv. Development Pre-Launch
Pre-
Early Development

2. 2004 Drought Leads Produced 11 - 30% Yield Improvements
Expectations: Benefit to vary with 2004
environment & germplasm Yield Increase bu/Acre)
(
Yield Benefit (bu/Acre)
35
30
Start of a pipeline of leads
Gene 1
25
- 20
15
10
5
Check
0
Yield Increase bu/Acre)
(
Gene 2
18
16
14
12
10
With 8
gene 6
4
2
0
Event One theEvent Two Event Three
locs
growing season (4
Future testing:
More environments – More germplasm - Stacks