Des Moines, Iowa, USA and Guanajuato, Mexico
August 16, 2011

DuPont and LANGEBIO, the Mexico National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity and a unit of CINVESTAV, have entered into a collaboration to increase understanding of plant reproductive biology and genetic diversity.

This research will further scientific advances -- including not-for-profit and humanitarian purposes in developing countries -- that improve farmer productivity and help meet the demands of a growing population.

Under the agreement, DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred and LANGEBIO will work together in multiple projects to gain new insights into the biological and genetic mechanisms that control plant productivity. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“The world’s population is growing at an astonishing rate. We put a lot of resources toward improving plant productivity and realize continued research into the reproductive biology of plants is key to develop and deliver products to farmers around the world,” said John Bedbrook, DuPont vice president, agriculture biotechnology. “LANGEBIO is a leading research institution and our work together will deliver products that will help meet the world’s challenges.”

Biodiversity, or the genetic variation, in plants enables them to thrive under a variety of conditions. Research to increase the understanding of the genetic and biological basis of plant productivity is important to agriculture as we work toward developing solutions for a variety of crops in the growing global need to produce food, fuel and fiber. Collaborations such as this advance can increase the exchange of scientific understanding and drive product development.

“Plant reproductive biology and genetic diversity are strategic areas of research for countries like Mexico that are centers of origin and genetic diversity of major crops,” said Luis Herrera-Estrella, director of LANGEBIO. “The agreement with Pioneer Hi-Bred, one of the world’s leaders in producing high quality seeds for both developing and developed countries will increase the capacity of LANGEBIO to develop high quality research and impact its capacity to contribute to the development of novel plant varieties, including maize.

The National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity of CINVESTAV is a Mexican public institution headquartered in Irapuato, Guanajuato. Its goal is to bring together interdisciplinary groups to carry out cutting-edge research and to generate knowledge about Mexican biodiversity that could lead to its sustainable use. The institute is also devoted to training scientific experts in modern biology, and is considered a leading strategic institution for the acquisition of future competitive advantage in Mexico.

Website: http://www.dupont.com

Published: August 16, 2011