Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and Australian company Hexima Ltd. will collaborate in a genetic two-step to control fungi in corn, soybeans and other crops. Pioneer parent E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. said in a news release that initially Pioneer will contribute proprietary gene-shuffling technology to the enterprise, while Hexima will offer its gene-delivery methods to develop broad-spectrum disease resistance in corn, which suffers an estimated $1 billion in yield losses a year to stalk rot alone. A Pioneer spokesman said it could be 10 years before the product is ready for market.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $4.3 million early-reading grant to the Des Moines Independent Community School District. The district will use the funds for its Preparing Early Readers for Kindergarten project at five sites serving high-need neighborhoods. The program is intended to improve oral language, alphabet knowledge, phonological and print awareness among 426 students in 25 classrooms.

Applications are due Aug. 15 for the 2008-09 Leadership Urbandale class. The class is for Urbandale residents who want to learn more about their community and its volunteer and service opportunities. Application forms and additional information are available at www.urbandale.org.

Friends of Iowa Civil Rights Inc. is accepting applications for its Friends of Iowa Civil Rights Award, which is given to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution in promoting civil rights in Iowa during the past one to two years in each of the following categories: individual, business, nonprofit/community organizations and youth/young adult. Friends will host its 12th annual awards ceremony this fall to recognize those champions of civil rights. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 15. Nomination forms are available at www.iowafriends.org.