New Research Effort To Boost Crop Yields Begun

"We're eager to tap into the creativity of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists and put our combined innovation to work in the challenges farmers face around the world," said William S. Niebur, vice president -- DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development.

"Increasing crop yields is critical to meet growing global demands for food, feed, fuel and fiber," Niebur said. "The collaboration will develop technologies that accelerate the rate of yield increase, as well as traits that will bring value to farmers worldwide."

"This collaboration will accelerate the contributions of plant biology and bioinformatics research to improve global agriculture," said CSHL President Bruce Stillman, Ph.D. "The fusion of our academic and industry research strengths will produce unique approaches to advance plant science in areas of mutual interest."

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business and world leader in agricultural plant genetics, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an internationally recognized leader in plant biology, have collaborated on individual projects over the past decade. This multi-project, multi-year effort will allow for a deeper sharing of information that aims to facilitate unique approaches to long-term agronomic challenges.

Several teams of researchers from both organizations will make use of extensive genomics data, trait information and germplasm resources from Pioneer in the discovery research collaboration. Pioneer also will have responsibility for bringing innovations and technologies resulting from the collaboration to the marketplace.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.