Using a testing methodology developed at the University of Illinois, researchers have confirmed a link between corn hybrid selection and ethanol yield in dry-grind operations. And unexpectedly, they saw no correlation between extractable starch and ethanol yield in the study.

The findings from the two-year study, a collaboration between the University of Illinois and Syngenta Seeds, confirm that growers and processors may benefit by selecting corn hybrids shown to produce optimal ethanol yield and quality, along with strong agronomic yield. Identifying such hybrids holds the potential to improve the amount of total ethanol produced in dry-grind corn processing plants and could have a positive impact on process economics.

The research indicated approximately 23 percent ethanol yield variability among all the grain samples tested for dry-grind ethanol production. This variability in ethanol yields can be attributed primarily to genetics and planting location. Dr. Vijay Singh, assistant professor of food and bioprocess engineering at the University of Illinois, recently presented these findings at the International Quality Grains Conference in Indianapolis.

The study shows no correlation between extractable starch and ethanol yield, although starch gets converted into ethanol. This unexpected finding makes the assumption that corn hybrids with high starch would yield high ethanol invalid.

The researchers attribute the lack of correlation to the fact that the dry-grind ethanol process involves significant physical, chemical and bio-chemical separations and treatments that may make un-extractable starch still fermentable. Results from the study suggest that measurement of starch content does not provide a fully accurate picture of a hybrid's compatibility with dry-grind processing.

The test methodology measured actual ethanol creation, rather than an indirect measurement based on weight loss due to CO2 generation. The testing protocol mimicked the dry-grind process and involved taking ethanol measurements at different time intervals during fermentation. This approach determined rate of fermentation and ethanol profiles over time.

This new test methodology is already finding its way into commercial uses. Syngenta Seeds has implemented the measurement technique to characterize its NK® Brand Extra Edge(tm) corn hybrids for ethanol production at the company's Stanton, Minn. Research facility. This new ethanol laboratory was designed to apply proven third-party research to the company's efforts to add value to emerging agricultural markets.

"Growers are in the business to make money and one thing a seed company can do is not only give them quality genetics, but also give them good information. This testing methodology helps us to categorize NK Brand corn hybrids so growers and processors can accurately identify the most favorable hybrids for dry-grind ethanol production," said Dr. Jim Graeber, NK Brand market development manager, Syngenta Seeds. "Twenty-seven Extra Edge hybrids characterized for dry-grind ethanol production are available for the 2005 growing season."

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2003 were approximately $6.6 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).

NK* and Extra Edge(tm) are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.