TED-Ed: How corn conquered the world | Chris A. Kniesly

Corn, primarily Yellow Dent number 2, is a major global crop, originating from teosinte in Mesoamerica. It became a staple in the Americas and later spread to Europe. The U.S. standardized corn production with Yellow Dent, aided by mechanization and synthetic fertilizers post-WWII. This led to increased production and industrial uses, such as high-fructose corn syrup. However, this success has environmental costs, including pollution and vulnerability to pests due to monoculture farming.

What technological advancements during World War II affected corn production?

What were the consequences of President Nixon's removal of limitations on corn production in 1972?

What are some negative impacts of the widespread cultivation of corn?