Spotty Corn (IMAGE) North Carolina State University Caption The hypersensitive defense response in corn protects the plant by killing a few of its own cells in a rapid and localized response. NC State and USDA researchers have now identified the top candidate genes involved in this response. Credit Dr. Peter Balint-Kurti, USDA and NC State Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.