Under the agreement, DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred receives an exclusive, worldwide research and commercial license to nitrogen use efficiency genes for corn.
Corn products developed using these genes could help growers protect yield while reducing inputs, such as nitrogen fertiliser, and decrease the energy required to apply fertilisers, the company said.
Plants use nitrogen for growth and development. Early season nitrogen stress can create irreversible yield loss, and nitrogen stress at any time in the plant’s life can reduce yield.
To prevent yield loss from reduced nitrogen levels, nitrogen is applied to stabilise and maximise the yield potential inherent in commercially available genetics. Application of nitrogen represents significant cost for farmers around the world.
John Bedbrook, vice president, DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology, said: “Corn plants that are more efficient at using nitrogen can improve farmer profitability and productivity, while improving sustainability of agriculture worldwide. We are pleased to collaborate with Plant Sensory Systems in this important area of agricultural research to help farmers continue to improve their ability to feed their family and their communities.”
Source: DuPont
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