Grouplunch15mcc: After a delicious lunch at the Suwan Farm, northeast of Bangkok, where we learn about research and outreach at this world-famous corn and sorghum research center, we gather with our hosts. Afterwards, we sample corn milk from their production facility and shop field station store; both operations generate a substantial amount of income for the center. (McCandless)

Pulamjan15mcc: Taweesak Pulam, owner of the Sweet Seed Co., Ltd., has been developing sweet
corn seed for Thailand since 1991. He likens plants to people, and says that it can take six to seven
years of careful observation before you learn the true character of an individual, particularly how
they respond to a crisis. Thanks to his efforts and partnership with Syngenta, Thailand is now
the #1 exporter of sweet corn in the world. (McCandless)

Silkweavingjan15kayser: At the Plant Genetic Conservation Project, in Nakon Rachasima,
we learn about silkworms, silk production, natural dying and weaving. Artisans use
floor looms to weave the natural-dyed silk. (Kayser)

Today was an early start with a delicious Thai breakfast at 6 a.m. at the Rama Garden Hotel. We left (not so promptly because of some late arrivers) at 7:30 for the Sweet Seed Co. which breeds sweet, waxy, and field corn. Their sweet corn products are exclusively contracted to the company Syngenta. The owner and breeder of Sweet Seed, Taweesak Pulam, founded the company in 1991 after being told by several multi-national companies that sweet corn breeding was not a profitable venture for Thailand. However, with focus and determination, Dr. Pulam has bred the hybrid “Sugar 75” which dominates the sweet corn processing market. Also, Thailand has been transformed from a non-producer of sweet corn to its current status of the number one exporter of sweet corn in the world. Dr. Pulam and his daughter showed the group field trials and their seed drying system while explaining the process of plant breeding. Most notably, Dr. Pulam relayed a quote of Jim Brewbaker (a Cornell Plant Breeding Department graduate): “A plant breeder must love the plant; a plant breeder must live with the plant.”

After the great visit with Dr. Pulam, we proceeded to the National Center of Maize and Sorghum Research. First, we enjoyed a delicious spread of food, and then toured the research fields. The tour concluded with an individual bottle of sweet corn milk for everyone from the center’s milk processing operation. The sweet corn milk was delectable and many thought that it could be a successful product in the U.S. Our Indian counterparts thoughts it could be exported to India, as well.

As if the day was not already incredible, we then went to a very prosperous silk farm where we were able to view silk worms, silk dyeing with all natural dyes, and the hand weaving of pure silk fabric. It was fascinating, and the fabric was breathtakingly beautiful.

The day concluded with a perfect meal at an outdoor restaurant. We were able to enjoy the perfect weather and great food over some animated conversations. The group has really come together over the past two weeks, and this was most definitely evident this evening. We look forward to another great day tomorrow.

Elliot Heffner, graduate student in plant breeding