2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Develop inbred lines and hybrids adapted to the abiotic and biotic stresses characteristic of the Mid-Atlantic region and Corn Belt. Evaluate per se agronomic performance, and new breeding methods to most effectively utilize exotic germplasm. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Fifty breeding crosses will be evaluated per se for adaptability and agronomic performance. Inbred line development will be initiated in six breeding crosses with the objective to self 500 plants and ultimately save 160 plants for advancing to S2 stage. The effectiveness of the single seed descent (SSD) method will be assessed by making top crosses of SSD progenies, and progenies derived from conventional GEM protocol. Final assessment will be made in 2007 yield trials. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and the University of Delaware (UD). Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 3625-21000-047-00D, "Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project (GEM)". This project relates to the primary objectives of the parent project which includes the evaluation and development of germplasm for improved agronomic performance and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Fifty new GEM breeding crosses are currently being evaluated for adaptability, maturity, flowering synchrony, standability, plant and ear height, pest resistance, stay green, grain quality and dry-down. Based on the 2006 breeding cross evaluations at the University of Delaware, the USDA-ARS GEM Project in Ames, Iowa, and two GEM private cooperators in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and Memphis, TN four breeding populations were selected to initiate selfing in 2007. In summer 2007, S1 lines derived from six GEM breeding crosses are being advanced to S2 using the modified single seed descent method (SSD), 355 S2 lines are being observed under open pollination, and 85 S2 and S3 lines are being advanced to S3 or S4 respectively. Approximately 530 top cross hybrids originating from the Southern GEM Project in Raleigh are being evaluated in Delaware. First year yield trials of lines derived from the SSD method are being evaluated in locations managed by the USDA-ARS GEM Project in Ames in 2007. The methods for monitoring activities include (1) observing germplasm developed by the Cooperator, and (2) progress reports submitted by the Cooperator in July and December for the Annual GEM Cooperator Meeting. E-mail exchanges and telephone discussions were periodically initiated by the ADODR or the Cooperator to discuss SSD experiments, and availability of new GEM germplasm resources which were provided by the ADODR. Top crosses and inbreds developed by the Cooperator have been planted and observed in the Ames nursery, amino acid experiments, and Field Day demonstration plot. A site visit to Ames will be made by the Cooperator in September.