Scientists at Havana's Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Center have planted three hectares of the crop in Yaguajay, in central Sancti Spiritus privince, hoping to develop seeds to boost output for human and animal consumption once they get a green light in terms of health, the newspaper Juventud Rebelde said.

Raul Armas of the center said the crops need watering but little other care if herbicides are used.

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is the biggest threat to corn growing in Cuba and many other tropical countries.

Cuba, the Americas' lone communist-ruled country, is seeking to boost its food output and reduce costly imports of staples for its population of more than 11 million.

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