CTM hybrids – a unique solution in maize production

Abstract

Cycloxydim Tolerant Maize (CTM) was developed at the University of Minnesota, USA. CTM plants contain a nuclear, partially dominant single gene mutation (known as Acc1) that confer tolerance to cycloxydim. Cycloxydim is a systemic, post emergence herbicide for grass weeds control in dicot crops. Conventional maize is susceptible to cycloxydim, so the gene of tolerance must be introduced in both inbred parents to provide complete tolerance of CTM hybrids. Although this increase the number of required conversions, many seed companies have commercialized CTM hybrids. Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops from Novi Sad was the first to commercialize CTM hybrid in Serbia. Application of cycloxydim based product in CTM hybrids can provide efficient and reliable control of annual and perennial grass weeds without risk of phytotoxicity to the crop. Also, the technology is suitable for use in intercropping (an example: CTM + beans).