Wilmington, Delaware and Ghent,
Belgium
May 18, 2006
Research focused on multi-billion dollar nematode
challenge for crops, including soybeans
DuPont, through its
subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred
International, Inc., and
Devgen today announced the extension of a research
collaboration to develop superior crop varieties with innate
resistance to plant pests, such as plant parasitic nematodes,
which are a leading pest impacting soybean yields.
"We are happy that the progress in the research collaboration
with DuPont has resulted in a continuation of our joint efforts
to develop novel and environmentally friendly traits to control
nematode infestation of crop plants," said Thierry Bogaert,
Devgen chief executive officer.
Nematodes are a significant pest in crops like soybeans, which
remains as the primary focus of the extended collaboration. The
damage caused by these soil borne organisms is estimated to be
$80 billion worldwide. Root damage causes poor crop growth,
which ultimately reduces crop yields and grain quality.
A leading corn and soybean provider, Pioneer pursues a range of
broad-based molecular, genetic and agronomic approaches to
develop high-yielding crop varieties with improved resistances
to key pests and environmental stresses for growers worldwide.
"The goal of this collaboration is to enhance seed performance
for the benefit of our customers," said Bill Niebur, DuPont vice
president, Crop Genetics Research & Development. "The
combination of Devgen's technology with Pioneer's superior
germplasm and biotech trait development programs may lead to
nematode resistant crop varieties with improved yields and grain
quality."
Through the collaboration, Devgen uses its patented technology
to identify and express genes that can be used to control
nematode pests in crop plants. Through its research program,
Pioneer integrates the traits with its elite germplasm to create
nematode resistant crop varieties with increased yield and
enhanced value for customers. Under the agreement, Devgen
receives research payments and is eligible for milestones and
royalties.
Devgen (Euronext Brussels: DEVG) is an innovator in
biotechnology focused on discovering, developing and
commercializing:
- a novel generation of biotech products to protect a wide
spectrum of crops from damage incurred from pests;
-
safer and more environmentally friendly agro-chemical products
to protect crops from damage inflicted by plant parasitic
nematodes;
- novel therapeutic concepts and preclinical drug candidates for
treatment of metabolic disease (diabetes, obesity, arrhythmia).
Each of these solutions is developed on a
platform of in-house designed research, development programs and
technologies. Devgen has partnerships with industry leaders in
biotechnology. Incorporated in 1997, Devgen has offices in
Ghent (Belgium) and Singapore, with a total work force of over
100 people.
Dupont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts
science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a
better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating
in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of
innovative products and services for markets including
agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and
protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is
the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers,
livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors.
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