(Columbia, Tenn. - March 17, 2011) - - - Columbia State Community College's Science, Technology and Mathematics Division in conjunction with the Lyceum Committee will host a lecture on "Biotechnology in Agriculture," presented by Mike Hughes, Agronomy Research Manager of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. (a DuPont Company) on Wednesday, March 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the J. H. Warf building, room 204 at the Columbia campus. This event is complimentary and open to the public.

This lecture was arranged by Dearl Lampley, Dean of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Columbia State to provide the latest information on research and development of biotechnology in agriculture as a supplement to the plant sciences courses offered at Columbia State.

"This event will focus on the use of genetic modification in today's crop production of corn, cotton, rice, and soybeans," explained Lampley. "Mr. Hughes is a professional involved in the research and studies conducted by Pioneer to produce high volume, high quality, nutritious food and plants for the world's inhabitants. Such efforts have become increasingly important in the feeding of life as world-wide populations continue to expand. He will also discuss the misconceptions of biotechnology in food production and some of the political ramifications. This type of lecture is always very interesting and highly informative for the attendees."

Genetically modified plants result in increased efficiency for food and plant production, increased efficiency to resist diseases, insect, and drought, increased vitamin content, and better applications in industrial and pharmaceutical terms. These plants are also more protective of the environment in reducing pesticide and water usage while conserving energy output. Selective breeding, through gene insertion, testing, and evaluation, has led to many advances in the plants commonly found in the world's crops. Advances have been tremendous in the last few years to accommodate accelerated population growth as well as reduced land available for crops.

For more information about this lecture or Columbia State STEM degree programs, contact the Science, Technology and Math Division at (931) 540-2710 or visit www.columbiastate.edu/stm.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

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