Elkhorn, WI - In 2006, researchers at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) tested methods for evaluating corn for its ability to compete with weeds, using corn that was bred under organic conditions with weeds at MFAI, and compared with commercially available organic corn, and corn bred under conventional conditions.

Researchers utilized sunflowers as a test weed, which appeared to be a practical method for assessing the various corn entries.

Results and practical applications:

• MFAI varieties and hybrids grown under weedy conditions were more competitive with weeds than hybrid corn grown under both commercial organic and conventional farming conditions.

For a detailed project description, link to OFRF's project report summary (2 pages).

Link to Walter Goldstein's complete project report (11 pages)

Co-investigators: Alan Wood and Bill Barber, MFAI.

OFRF support for project: $12,000 awarded in spring 2006. Funded in partnership with EPA Region 5.

Full project report: 11 pages, submitted July 2007.