Sugar Grove, Illinois, USA
November 30, 2010

Professional Seed Research Inc. (PSR) has added another 3000 sqft. greenhouse to its fleet. The expansion is a direct result of the increase in demand of the PSR trait conversion service. “Our conversion program has grown significantly and the added space allows us more flexibility”, says Matt Dodd – VP of Marketing. PSR is currently doing conversions on U.S. corn genetics as well as tropical and semi-tropical material. In compliance with the USDA and trait providers, PSR’s conversion service is also approved to handle regulated genes in corn. International companies find it convenient to initiate a conversion with PSR as they wait for their country’s approval to market a trait.

Unique to PSR is its Phenotype Select™ system that allows fast recovery of the recurrent parent carrying the new trait. The system is applied at every backcross generation. “Speed and cost is important in the trait business and we believe this is a cheaper option than using molecular markers. It is not uncommon for our BC2 selections to be a very close match to the recurrent parent.” States Matt Dodd – VP of Marketing.

PSR Global Genetics LLC (a sister company of PSR Inc.) also uses the Phenotype Select™ system to speed-up trait conversions in their proprietary germplasm. “As our inbred lines move closer to market, we are able to quickly have traited versions ready for increases. It’s an exciting time in our industry. With all the new traits coming to market, we hope to play a pivotal role in making it happen.” Says Robert Johnson – VP of Operations.

Established in 1987, Professional Seed Research, Inc. (PSR) provides Seed Testing, Corn Breeding and Pathology services to nearly 300 companies internationally. PSR's revolutionary SMF™ Technology increases efficiency in seed testing and accelerates maize breeding programs by more than four generations.

Website: http://www.psrglobal.com/

Published: November 30, 2010