Composition of forage and grain from second-generation insect-protected corn MON 89034 is equivalent to that of conventional corn (Zea mays L.)

Insect-protected corn hybrids containing Cry insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis have protection from target pests and provide effective management of insect resistance. MON 89034 hybrids have been developed that produce both the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins, which provide two independent modes of insecticidal action against the European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilalis ) and other lepidopteran insect pests of corn. The composition of MON 89034 corn was compared to conventional corn by measuring proximates, fiber, and minerals in forage and by measuring proximates, fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antinutrients, and secondary metabolites in grain collected from 10 replicated field sites across the United States and Argentina during the 2004-2005 growing seasons. Analyses established that the forage and grain from MON 89034 are compositionally comparable to the control corn hybrid and conventional corn reference hybrids. These findings support the conclusion that MON 89034 is compositionally equivalent to conventional corn hybrids.     

Composition of grain and forage from corn rootworm-protected corn event MON 863 is equivalent to that of conventional corn (Zea mays l.)

Insect-protected corn hybrids containing event MON 863 protect corn plants against feeding damage from corn rootworm (Diabrotica), a major North American insect pest. Corn event MON 863 contains a gene that expresses an amino acid sequence variant of the wild-type Cry3Bb1 insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis. The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of corn containing event MON 863 with that of conventional nontransgenic corn. Compositional analyses were conducted to measure proximates, fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, antinutrients, and certain secondary metabolites in grain and proximates and fiber content in forage collected from a total of eight field sites in the U.S. and Argentina. Compositional analyses demonstrated that the grain and forage of event MON 863 are comparable in their nutritional content to the control corn hybrid and conventional corn. These comparisons, together with the history of the safe use of corn as a common component of animal feed and human food, support the conclusion that corn event MON 863 is compositionally equivalent to, and as safe and nutritious as, conventional corn hybrids grown commercially today.     

Comparison of the nutritional profile of glyphosate-tolerant corn event NK603 with that of conventional corn (Zea mays L.)

The composition of glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready) corn event NK603 was compared with that of conventional corn grown in the United States in 1998 and in the European Union in 1999 to assess compositional equivalence. Grain and forage samples were collected from both replicated and nonreplicated field trials, and compositional analyses were performed to measure proximates, fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin E, nine minerals, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor, and secondary metabolites in grain as well as proximates and fiber in forage. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted to assess statistical significance at the p < 0.05 level. The values for all of the biochemical components assessed for corn event NK603 were similar to those of the nontransgenic control or were within the published range observed for nontransgenic commercial corn hybrids. In addition, the compositional profile of Roundup Ready corn event NK603 was compared with that of traditional corn hybrids grown in Europe by calculating a 99% tolerance interval to describe compositional variability in the population of traditional corn varieties in the marketplace. These comparisons, together with the history of the safe use of corn as a common component of animal feed and human food, support the conclusion that Roundup Ready corn event NK603 is compositionally equivalent to, and as safe and nutritious as, conventional corn hybrids grown commercially today.     

Glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa is compositionally equivalent to conventional alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa (GTA) was developed to withstand over-the-top applications of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup agricultural herbicides. As a part of the safety assessment, GTA (designated J101 x J163) was grown under controlled field conditions at geographically diverse locations within the United States during the 2001 and 2003 field seasons along with control and other conventional alfalfa varieties for compositional assessment. Field trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replication blocks at each site. Alfalfa forage was harvested at the late bud to early bloom stage from each plot at five field sites in 2001 (establishment year) and from four field sites in 2003 (third year of stand). The concentration of proximate constituents, fibers, amino acids, coumestrol, and minerals in the forage was measured. The results showed that the forage from GTA J101 x J163 is compositionally equivalent to forage from the control and conventional alfalfa varieties.     

Evaluation of compositional equivalence for multitrait biotechnology crops

Compositional analysis is an important tool in the evaluation of the safety and nutritional status of biotechnology-derived crops. As part of the comparative assessment of a biotechnology-derived crop, its composition is evaluated by quantitative measurement of the levels of key nutrients, antinutrients, and secondary metabolites and compared to that of conventional crops. To evaluate the effect of combining multiple biotech traits through conventional breeding, the forage and grain compositions of the double combinations MON 810 × NK603, MON 863 × MON 810, and MON 863 × NK603 and the triple combination MON 863 × NK603 × MON 810 were compared to their respective near-isogenic, conventional control hybrids. Overall, a total of 241 statistical comparisons between the multitrait biotechnology crop and its corresponding conventional controls were conducted. Of these comparisons 192 (79.7%) were not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05), and all 49 of the differences were within the 99% tolerance interval for commercial hybrids grown in the same field or related field trials. These data on combined trait biotechnology-derived products demonstrated that the forage and grain were compositionally equivalent to their conventional comparators, indicating the absence of any influence of combining insect protection and herbicide tolerance traits by conventional breeding on compositional variation.     

The composition of grain and forage from glyphosate tolerant wheat MON 71800 is equivalent to that of conventional wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Glyphosate tolerant wheat MON 71800, simply referred to as MON 71800, contains a 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) protein from Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4 (CP4 EPSPS) that has a reduced affinity for glyphosate as compared to the endogenous plant EPSPS enzyme. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the compositional equivalence of MON 71800 to its nontransgenic parent as well as to conventional wheat varieties. The compositional assessment evaluated the levels of proximates, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, secondary metabolites, and antinutrients in wheat forage and grain grown during two field seasons across a total of eight sites in the United States and Canada. These data demonstrated that with respect to these important nutritional components, the forage and grain from MON 71800 were equivalent to those of its nontransgenic parent and commercial wheat varieties. These data, together with the previously established safety of the CP4 EPSPS protein, support the conclusion that glyphosate tolerant wheat MON 71800 is as safe and nutritious as commercial wheat varieties.     

Glyphosate-tolerant corn: the composition and feeding value of grain from glyphosate-tolerant corn is equivalent to that of conventional corn (Zea mays L.)

Glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready) corn line GA21 has been developed by genetic modification to tolerate glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compositional and nutritional safety of corn line GA21 compared to that of conventional corn. Compositional analyses were conducted to measure proximate, fiber, amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral contents of grain and proximate, fiber, and mineral contents of forage collected from 16 field sites over two growing seasons. The nutritional safety of corn line GA21 was evaluated in a poultry feeding study conducted with 2-day old, rapidly growing broiler chickens, at a dietary concentration of 50-60% w/w. Compositional analysis results showed that, except for a few minor differences that are unlikely to be of biological significance, the grain and forage of GA21 corn were comparable in their composition to that of the control corn line and to conventional corn. Results from the poultry feeding study showed that there were no differences in growth, feed efficiency, adjusted feed efficiency, and fat pad weights between chickens fed with GA21 grain or with parental control grain. These data taken together demonstrate that Roundup Ready corn is as safe and nutritious as conventional corn for food and feed use.     

Effect of harvest method and feed value on the economic optimum nitrogen rate for corn

Abstract

Consideration of the harvest method and protein content of corn grain and forage may be important variables for estimating Economic Optimum Nitrogen (N) (EON) rates for corn. Corn grain yield, forage yield, grain protein and forage protein data from twenty five N response experiments conducted in Pennsylvania were analyzed to determine the effect of harvest method and a price adjustment based on grain and forage protein content on the EON rate. The value of the protein in this study was assumed to be that of substituting soybean meal in the ration for growing beef cattle or dairy cattle. There was no difference in the EON for corn harvested for grain compared to corn harvested for forage when the protein content was not considered. When price adjustments were made for the protein content of the grain and forage, the EON rates increased 10 kg/ha for grain and 22 kg/ha for forage. With the protein price adjustments, the EON was 14 kg/ha higher for forage than grain. These results support the recommendation for higher N rates for corn harvested for forage, where the protein value of the forage is considered, compared to corn harvested for grain. In situations where the amino acid composition of the grain is important, such as for poultry or swine, or where urea or anhydrous ammonia can be substituted in the ration for protein, it is unlikely that a higher EON level would result when protein content or quality is considered.     

Compositional equivalency of Cry1F corn event TC6275 and conventional corn (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L.) plants have been transformed to express a Cry1F insecticidal crystal protein originally isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner. This protein controls lepidopteran pests of maize, including the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). As part of the safety assessment for crops containing transgenes, a compositional analysis of the food and feed is conducted. This analysis is designed to detect unintended changes in the nutrient and antinutrient content of the raw commodities produced by the crop due to the insertion of the genes into the genomic DNA of the plant (pleotropic effects). Samples of transgenic and nontransgenic maize forage and grain were collected from six field sites located in the U.S. and Canada. Forage samples were analyzed for proximates and minerals, and grain was further analyzed for fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, secondary metabolites, and antinutrients. Results demonstrated that maize expressing the Cry1F protein was equivalent to nontransgenic maize with respect to these important components. Comparison of the variability within the nontransgenic and transgenic hybrid, as compared to composition values reported in the literature, suggest that factors other than transgenes may contribute more substantially to the composition of crops.     

Risk assessment of the cultivation of a stacked Bt-maize variety (MON89034 × MON88017) for nematode communities

Genetically modified Bt-maize MON89034 × MON88017 contains three different genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which enable protection against insect pests, due to expression of three different insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry proteins), i.e., Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 against the European corn borer and Cry3Bb1 against the Western corn root worm. Nematodes are important organisms in agricultural soil ecosystems, and on fields with Bt-maize cultivation they will be exposed to Cry proteins released into the soil from roots or plant residues. The objective of this study was to analyze in a field experiment the effect of Bt-maize MON89034 × MON88017 on nematodes as non-target organisms. Nematode communities from soil planted with the Bt-maize were compared to those from soil planted with the near-isogenic cultivar (with and without chemical insecticide treatment) and two conventional maize cultivars. The experimental field consisted of 40 plots in a completely randomized block design (eight plots for each treatment), which were monitored over two growing seasons (2008 and 2009) at six sampling dates for nematode diversity at the genus level in the rhizosphere soil. Physicochemical soil properties and Cry protein concentrations were also analyzed. Nematodes showed very high abundances, as well as a high diversity of taxa and functional guilds, indicating the relevance of maize fields as their habitat. Neither Bt-maize cultivation, nor insecticide treatment adversely affected abundance or community structure of nematode assemblages in field plots compared to several non-Bt cultivars including a near-isogenic cultivar. This confirmed the risk estimations based on the analyzed soil concentrations of extractable Cry protein, not exceeding 4.8 ng g⁻¹ soil dry weight and thus revealing a safe toxicity-exposure ratio of >20.     

Lower fumonisin mycotoxin levels in the grain of Bt corn grown in the United States in 2000-2002

Fumonisins were monitored in corn grain collected from Bt hybrids grown in 107 locations across the United States in 2000-2002. Bt corn hybrids contain the Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis that controls European corn borers and other stalk-boring pests. Fumonisin levels were frequently lower in grain from Bt hybrids grown in field trials under conditions of natural (FACT trials) or manual insect infestation (university trials). Over three years of FACT trials, there were 126/210 comparisons when fumonisin levels in grain from control hybrids were >2 ppm, exceeding U.S. FDA guidance levels of 2 ppm for human food. Grain from Bt hybrids was at or below 2 ppm of fumonisins for 58 of the 126 comparisons. The use of Bt hybrids can increase the percentage of corn grain that would be suitable for use in food and feed.     

Grain and biomass nutrient uptake of conventional corn and their genetically modified isolines

The adoption of genetically engineered crops in the United States has increased dramatically over the past decade. Differences in agronomic characteristics and protein expression between genetically engineered plants and their naturally recombinant non-genetically modified (GM) counterparts are not well-understood. Experimental field plots were established in the spring of 2005 near Brookings, SD with 18 different commonly used corn hybrids including three conventional hybrids and their corresponding transgenic modifications. Specific research objectives were to evaluate in a side by side comparison, the impact of the genetic modifications on agronomic characteristics. Results show that glyphosate or insect resistance resulting from genetic modification, in the absence of significant insect pest or weed pressure and glyphosate application, were not likely to significantly alter productivity or nutrient composition of corn residue or grain. No significant differences were observed among the hybrids in average grain yield or above-ground biomass over the three years of the experiment.     

Composition of grain, forage, and processed fractions from second-generation glyphosate-tolerant soybean, MON 89788, is equivalent to that of conventional soybean (Glycine max L.)

Developments in biotechnology and molecular-assisted breeding have led to the development of a second-generation glyphosate-tolerant soybean product, MON 89788. The MON 89788 event was produced by direct transformation of a cp4 epsps (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) gene cassette derived from Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4 into an elite soybean germplasm known for its superior agronomic characteristics and high yielding property. The purpose of this work was to assess whether the nutrient and antinutrient levels in seed and forage tissues of MON 89788 are comparable to those in the conventional soybean variety, A3244, which has background genetics similar to MON 89788 but does not contain the cp4 epsps gene cassette. Additional conventional soybean varieties currently in the marketplace were also included in the analysis to establish a range of natural variability for each analyte, where the range of variability is defined by a 99% tolerance interval for that particular analyte. Compositional analyses were conducted on forage, seed and four processed fractions from soybeans grown in ten sites across both the United States and Argentina during the 2004-2005 growing seasons. Forage samples were analyzed for levels of proximates (ash, fat, moisture, and protein) and fiber. Seed samples were analyzed for proximates, fiber, antinutrients, and vitamin E. Defatted, toasted (DT) meal was analyzed for proximates, fiber, amino acids, and antinutrients. Refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) oil was analyzed for fatty acids and vitamin E. Protein isolate was analyzed for amino acids and moisture. Crude Lecithin was analyzed for phosphatides. Results of the comparisons indicate that MON 89788 is compositionally and nutritionally equivalent to conventional soybean varieties currently in commerce.     

Corn yield and shifts among corn quality constituents following application of different nitrogen fertilizer sources at several times during corn development

Corn plants grown under higher nitrogen (N) fertility have a higher grain protein concentration. However, it is not known whether the increased protein concentration is due to decreases in the concentration of non‐structural carbohydrate (energy content approximately equal to protein), lipid (energy content approximately 2.5 times that of protein), or other components (largely structural carbohydrate). An increase in protein concentration that results in a decrease in lipid concentration will decrease the energy content per unit dry weight of grain corn. A 3‐year field experiment was conducted at four locations in Eastern Canada to evaluate the effects of N fertilizer source, application rate, and application time on the yield and quality of corn (Zea mays L.). Ammonium nitrate, urea, and calcium ammonium nitrate were applied at rates of 90 and 180 kg N/ha. The N fertilizer was applied as a) a single application: entirely pre‐plant incorporated (PPI), b) in two applications: 1/2 PPI and 1/2 when corn plants were 15 cm tall, and c) in three applications: 1/3 PPI, 1/3 when plants were 15 cm tall, and 1/3 when plants were 90 cm tall. Corn grain protein concentration increased with N application in all the location‐years; the average increase was 8.40%, with the application of N fertilizers as compared to the control. The protein content (nig) per kernel increased with N application in half the cases. Both corn grain protein concentration and content were not different among the three N application timings in most location‐years. The lipid concentration of the grain was not affected by any N treatment indicating that the increase in protein concentration did not decrease in energy concentration. However, the concentration of remaining grain components (largely fibre and cellulose) decreased as the protein concentration increased, so that high N fertility may have increased both protein and energy concentrations of the grain. Grain yield increased with increasing N fertilizer application rate, and it was generally not significantly affected by the number of the N application times. Neither corn yield nor corn quality were affected by the different N sources.     

不同氮肥减施量下玉米针叶豌豆间作体系的产量及效益

  【目的】  通过探讨河西绿洲灌区氮肥减施对玉米针叶豌豆间作体系产量及肥料贡献率的影响,为玉米针叶豌豆间作体系氮素资源高效管理提供理论依据。  【方法】  研究基于2011年设置在武威绿洲灌区的玉米间作针叶豌豆长期田间定位试验。不施肥和习惯施肥 (N100) 处理为单作玉米,施用习惯氮肥量95%、90%、85%、80%和0%处理为玉米间作针叶豌豆。调查了2014—2019年玉米针叶豌豆间作体系产量、产量构成要素、经济效益、氮肥偏生产力、氮肥农学利用率和氮肥肥料贡献率。  【结果】  玉米针叶豌豆间作种植具有明显的增产优势,而且这种增产优势随种植年限的延长呈增加趋势。在85%常规氮肥用量条件下,玉米籽粒产量与N100基本相当,差异不显著,虽然玉米株高和茎粗会受到明显抑制,穗位和穗位比下降明显,但是成穗数、穗粒数和百粒重却无明显变化,同时因为增收了1419 kg/hm2针叶豌豆干草和1637 kg/hm2针叶豌豆籽粒,合计收益增加3813元/hm2,增幅明显,而且氮肥偏生产力和氮肥农学利用率显著提高,氮肥肥料贡献率除2019年显著降低外,其余年份无明显变化。在80%常规氮肥用量条件下,玉米籽粒产量显著降低,降幅达8.77%,但是同样因为可以增收1438 kg/hm2针叶豌豆干草和1569 kg/hm2针叶豌豆籽粒,合计收益增加2098元/hm2,增幅明显,氮肥偏生产力显著提高,增幅达14.04%,氮肥农学利用率无明显变化,但是玉米的成穗数、穗粒数、百粒重、株高、茎粗、穗位、穗长、穗粗、氮肥肥料贡献率等降幅均达到显著水平。  【结论】  在河西绿洲灌区,长期进行玉米间作针叶豌豆,在玉米季减少15%的化学氮肥施用量不会造成玉米减产,由于同时收获了针叶豌豆干草和籽粒,整个体系收益提高,氮肥效率显著增加。在玉米季减少20%的化学氮肥施用量虽然会造成玉米减产,氮肥肥料贡献率下降,但是同样因为增收了针叶豌豆干草和籽粒,整个体系收益提高,氮肥偏生产力显著增加。     

Iron efficiency of different corn hybrids grown in nutrient solution culture

Growing Fe-efficient genotype(s) could be considered as a preferred genetic approach to tackle the widespread constraint of Fe-deficiency-/lime-induced chlorosis in crop grown on alkaline soil. This study aimed to investigate morphological and physiological traits linked to expression of Fe deficiency among four corn (Zea mays) including sweet (Z. mays sacchrata cvs. H403 and H404) and grain (Z. mays indentata cvs. H500 and H700) hybrids grown in nutrient solution using two Fe concentrations (5 and 50 µM Fe-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA)). Significant variation was found among studied hybrids in their tolerance to Fe-deficiency stress. Sweet corn hybrids were more sensitive to Fe deficiency as compared with grain corn hybrids and greater reduction was observed in their shoot dry matter at the 5 µM Fe-EDTA treatment. The greatest decrease in plant height, leaf area, and root and shoot dry matter weight under Fe-deficiency condition was found for H403 hybrid. No significant correlation was found between shoot and root Fe concentration with crop tolerance to Fe deficiency. Furthermore, different response of corn hybrids to Fe deficiency is an important factor, which has to be considered in Fe fertilizer recommendation as well as breeding programs.     

Assessment of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in roots and rhizosphere soils of Bt corn and their non-Bt isolines

Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) in combination with sequencing of amplified partial 18S ribosomal DNA was used to assess the effects of transgenic Bt corn 5422Bt1 (event Bt 11) and 5422CBCL (event MON810) on the community structure of a non-target microorganism, namely the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus in corn roots and rhizosphere soils, relative to their non-Bt isolines 5422 (conventional parent) and 5422wx (conventional hybrid). AMF colonization in roots of different corn genotypes was also assessed using microscopic visualization. No adverse effect was detected on the indigenous AMF colonization of the roots of Bt hybrids 5422Bt1 and 5422CBCL. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN^®) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the DGGE data from corn roots presented differences between Bt and non-Bt corn isolines (5422Bt1 vs. 5422wx, and 5422CBCL vs. 5422wx). However, differences were also recognized between the two non-Bt corn cultivars (5422 vs. 5422wx), and between the two Bt corn lines (5422Bt1 vs. 5422CBCL) in roots. Our results suggest that corn genotypes may have a greater influence on the AMF community structure of plant roots and rhizosphere soils than other factors, such as the age of the growing plants.     

Assessment of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in roots and rhizosphere soils of Bt corn and their non-Bt isolines

Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) in combination with sequencing of amplified partial 18S ribosomal DNA was used to assess the effects of transgenic Bt corn 5422Bt1 (event Bt 11) and 5422CBCL (event MON810) on the community structure of a non-target microorganism, namely the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus in corn roots and rhizosphere soils, relative to their non-Bt isolines 5422 (conventional parent) and 5422wx (conventional hybrid). AMF colonization in roots of different corn genotypes was also assessed using microscopic visualization. No adverse effect was detected on the indigenous AMF colonization of the roots of Bt hybrids 5422Bt1 and 5422CBCL. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN^®) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the DGGE data from corn roots presented differences between Bt and non-Bt corn isolines (5422Bt1 vs. 5422wx, and 5422CBCL vs. 5422wx). However, differences were also recognized between the two non-Bt corn cultivars (5422 vs. 5422wx), and between the two Bt corn lines (5422Bt1 vs. 5422CBCL) in roots. Our results suggest that corn genotypes may have a greater influence on the AMF community structure of plant roots and rhizosphere soils than other factors, such as the age of the growing plants.     

Grain yield and mineral composition of corn as influenced by endosperm type and nitrogen

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a major source of nutrition for humans and animals. Chemical and physical properties of corn endosperm vary among hybrids, are influenced by genotype and environment, and may affect the crop's response to nitrogen (N) fertilization. The objective of the study was to measure the responses of grain yield and grain N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), zinc (Zn,) and copper (Cu) concentration of different endosperm types to N fertilization. The study was conducted at two Ohio locations in 1988, where six endosperm types and two N rates (34 and 200 kg N/ha) were combined in a split plot arrangement. Nitrogen rate (main plots) had little effect on yield at either location, and the soft endosperm hybrid was the only hybrid to respond to N fertilizer. Within fertilizer level, hybrids differed in grain yield with the waxy hybrid out yielding the normal endosperm hybrid, and the hard endosperm hybrid out yielding the soft one at the 200 kg N/ha rate. Application of N fertilizer increased the grain N concentration of all hybrids. Grain of the waxy hybrid contained an equal or greater N concentration than the normal hybrid. In contrast, no difference in N level was found between hard and soft endosperm hybrids at either fertilizer level. Climatic conditions and soil fertility differences might have been partly responsible for location effects. Genetic make‐up could have been a factor in differing hybrid response since grain concentration of nutrients Varied by location, endosperm type, and N treatment.     

Protein quality of corn hybrids differing for endosperm characteristics and the effect of nitrogen fertilization 1

Corn (Zea mays L.) is an important source of protein for humans and animals. Because dent corn is highly responsive to nitrogen (N) fertilization, substantial amounts of N are used for corn production. Application of N fertilizer may reduce protein quality of corn kernels through an increase in zein content. The objective of this study was to determine if corn endosperm characteristics influence the effect of N fertilization on protein quality. In 1988, six corn hybrids differing for endosperm characteristics were grown at two locations in Ohio and with two N rates, 34 and 200 kg/ha. The waxy hybrid had a greater concentration of fraction I protein than the non‐wary hybrid. These two hybrids did not differ for other fractions except fraction III at Columbus. The soft endosperm hybrid had a higher concentration of fraction I protein than the hard endosperms hybrids. Soft and hard endosperm hybrids differed for fraction II protein for the 34 kg N/ha fertilizer rate but not the 200 kg N/ha fertilizer rate. These two classes of hybrids did not differ for fraction III protein. Increasing N fertilizer increased fraction II concentration for all hybrids. Concentrations of the other two protein fractions did not respond to fertilizer rate. The increase in fraction II concentration with N fertilization may result in a decrease of protem quality and feed value. Although all hybrids responded to N fertilizer, some hybrids had bigger increases in fraction II proteins than other hybrids.