February 15, 2011

USDA approves corn amylase trait for Syngenta's Enogen

Syngenta has received full deregulation for its corn amylase trait from the USDA and the company will sell the corn seed with this trait as Enogen corn seed.

This is the first genetically modified output trait in corn for the ethanol industry. By enabling expression of an optimised alpha-amylase enzyme directly in corn, dry grind ethanol production can be improved in a way that can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure.

Enogen corn seed offers growers an opportunity to cultivate a premium specialty crop. It is a breakthrough product that provides US ethanol producers with a proven means to generate more gallons of ethanol from their existing facilities, said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer. Enogen corn also reduces the energy and water consumed in the production process while substantially reducing carbon emissions.

Enogen corn seed will be available from the coming growing season. This year, Syngenta plans to work with a small number of ethanol plants and corn growers in close proximity and prepare for larger scale commercial introduction in 2012. Production of Enogen corn will be managed by Syngenta using a contracted, closed production system.

The corn amylase trait in Enogen has already been approved for import into Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia and Taiwan, and for cultivation in Canada.