An ISU distinguished professor of agronomy received the 2001 Verdant Partners Crop Genetics Award for his international contributions to corn breeding.

The award was presented to Arnel Hallauer at the American Seed Trade Association’s December meeting in Chicago. A $10,000 agricultural scholarship was donated to Iowa State’s corn breeding program in his name. This is the second year the award has been given.

Hallauer graduated from Kansas State University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in plant science. From there, he went to the Korean War but returned in 1956 to attend graduate school at Iowa State. He received his master’s degree in 1958 and a doctorate in 1960, both in plant breeding. In 1962, Hallauer was hired on as full-time faculty at Iowa State.

Hallauer, who is well-known throughout the world for his research, is a member of the National Academy of Science and a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service’s Hall of Fame.

The main contributions Hallauer made are his basic research and his teaching, said Kendall Lamkey, associate professor and collaborator of agronomy.

“He has also written a book that summarizes everything there is to know about corn breeding,” Lamkey said.

Hallauer has studied complex traits and developed strategies to improve germplasm in corn, which also would improve the population, he said. Germplasm are the basic materials that are used to develop the appearance of hybrids, Hallauer said.

Hallauer also has moved plasm from tropic and semi-tropic areas to temperate areas.

“Only 2 to 5 percent of germplasm in maize is being used by corn breeders,” said Hallauer, who has spent nearly 40 years on this research. “We have released inbred lines to commercials and breeders.”

From there, the lines are used to produce hybrids.

“I would say that 40 to 50 percent of all the corn in Iowa have germplasm that originated from Iowa State,” he said. “We develop and test lines that are released from germplasm. It can take five to 10 years to develop lines and get hybrids.”

Not only does Hallauer spend his time on research, but he has been teaching since he was hired. He has also advised many foreign students at Iowa State.

“Dr. Hallauer has remained humble and modest, despite his awards and recognitions,” Lamkey said. “He is a good scientist as well as a good source of inspiration. Everyone wants to work with him.”