Divergence and the National Corn Growers Association have had a research relationship since January 2003. With help from the NCGA, Divergence is working to develop nematode-resistant corn. Nematodes are among the most frequently overlooked cause of corn disease and controlling them is a crucial step toward further improving corn yields. Nematode damage from species including lesion, stubby root, dagger, lance, stunt, and spiral is highly prevalent throughout the corn-belt and occurs on both sandy soils and heavier soils. Damage from nematodes may also be increasing due to trends including less crop rotation away from corn, decreased tillage, and replacement of soil insecticides with Bt-crops (see link "The Other Nematode" in Corn and Soybean Digest, 2008).

The National Corn Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers in a changing world and to enhance corn's profitability and usage. NCGA represents more than 32,000 members, 25 affiliated state corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information on NCGA, visit www.ncga.com.