Corn (Zea Mays L.), the third cereal crop in the world, is not known well in Mongolia. The corn research program was started in 2004 with collaboration of International Corn Foundation (ICF), International Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) of KNU, Mongolian Academy of Science (MAS), Mongolian University of Agriculture (MUA) and Mongolia International University (MIU) in Ulaanbaatar. Since that time approximately 2000 genotypes were planted. Within 6 years of research we have succeeded in forming Mongolian corn population (MCP). In 2009, some promising segregating parental line crosses and inbreds were selected at Plant Science and Agriculture Research Training Institute (PSARTI) in Darkhan, 250 km toward the North from the capital city, and in greenhouse of Kunwi, Korea for further breeding. To develop corn hybrids we selected lines based on yield potential, cold tolerance and early maturity. Early plantings in the mid of May as well as tolerance to cold would permit longer growing cycle for higher yield. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed highly significance within lines, which means we can easily select cold tolerance and early maturing lines and breeding materials for further breeding program. Due to lack of plant proteins and Vitamin A deficiency, health of Mongolians has been affected. We consider corn can be a solution to reducing pasture and soil erosion. Breeding and cultivation of locally adapted stress tolerant stable corn hybrids may boost livestock industry and improve people’s health for Mongolians.

• Tungalag Munkhbat1(International Agricultural Research Institute, Kyungpook National University) Corresponding author
• Soon-Kwon Kim(International Agricultural Research Institute, Kyungpook National University)
• Bayarsukh Noov(Plant Science and Agricultural Research Training Institute)