DuPont and Evogene Enter Multiyear Collaboration for Soybean Rust Resistance
DuPont and Evogene Ltd. announced a multiyear collaboration to improve resistance to soybean rust, one of the most devastating fungal diseases in soybean. Under the agreement, DuPont business, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and Evogene will collaborate to develop soybean varieties displaying in-plant resistance to rust. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
DuPont and Evogene will jointly generate a genomic database tailored to soybean rust resistance. Evogene will utilize its computational genomic technology, the ATHLETE™, to identify novel genes predicted to improve soybean rust resistance. Pioneer will use proprietary technologies to evaluate the genes in transgenic soybeans, and may advance leads for further development and commercialization. Evogene will be entitled to receive milestone payments and royalties based on the sales of resulting products.
“Strong disease resistance has been a cornerstone to the growth of our Pioneer soybean business,” said John Bedbrook, vice president, DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology. “Unique science from Evogene is going to help us more effectively tackle soybean rust.”
Pioneer and Evogene have received an approval in principle for partial funding of the project from the BIRD Foundation, a bi-national foundation funded by the Israeli and American governments, which supports and encourages cooperation between Israeli and American companies in various areas of technology, and provides assistance in locating strategic partners from both countries for developing joint products.
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