March 11, 2013

DuPont, Mendel Biotechnology collaborate to boost corn yields

DuPont Pioneer is collaborating with Mendel Biotechnology Inc., a California biotech firm, to commercialise new gene leads for improved water use efficiency and photosynthesis in corn.

Mendel identified the genes, which will be tested by both firms for yield enhancement traits in Pioneer brand corn products, DuPont announced.

"Greater efficiency in water use and photosynthesis can enhance farmer profitability and productivity, while improving sustainability of agriculture worldwide," said Mike Lassner, vice president of Agricultural Biotechnology Trait Discovery for DuPont Pioneer. "We are pleased to collaborate with Mendel in developing new and improved Pioneer brand hybrids. Working together with technology innovators increases our ability to meet the needs of a growing global population."

Mendel is a plant science company established in 1977 that has identified technologies for next-generation yield traits in soy and additional crops, DuPont said. Pioneer supplies seeds to farmers in 90-plus countries and is a global developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics.