Corn gluten meal

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is the principal protein of corn (maize) endosperm consisting mainly of zein and glutelin. It is a byproduct of corn processing that has historically been used as an animal feed. Despite the name, 'corn gluten' does not contain true gluten, which is formed by the interaction of gliadin and glutenin proteins. Corn gluten meal (CGM) is the principal protein of corn (maize) endosperm consisting mainly of zein and glutelin. It is a byproduct of corn processing that has historically been used as an animal feed. Despite the name, 'corn gluten' does not contain true gluten, which is formed by the interaction of gliadin and glutenin proteins. In 1985, Dr. Nick Christians of Iowa State University discovered that CGM displayed pre-emergent herbicidal effects during a series of turf grass experiments. The use of corn gluten meal as an herbicide was patented in 1991, but, like many food-related substances used for gardening, is not regulated in the US. CGM targets a range of plants including small-seeded annual and perennial herbs. It is most frequently used in lawns, but may be applied to gardens and fields as well. Large-seeded weeds seem unaffected. The corn gluten meal breaks down over time as an organic nitrogen source (NPK rating of 10-0-0).