PlantArcBio Teams Up with Helix on Drought-Resilient Corn for South America
Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture in South America
PlantArcBio, an innovative ag-biotechnology leader, has announced a significant collaboration with Helix Sementes e Biotecnologia, part of the Agroceres Group, to develop high-yield, drought-resistant corn varieties tailored for South American climates. This partnership aims to tackle pressing agricultural challenges faced by farmers in key markets, particularly Brazil and Argentina.
The collaboration leverages PlantArcBio's proprietary gene technology, specifically its DIP™ platform, which enables the rapid discovery of genes that can enhance crop performance, focusing on yield improvement and drought tolerance.
Helix has licensed genes discovered through this platform, which have already shown promising results in trials, demonstrating consistent yield increases even under drought conditions. By integrating these genes into Helix's elite corn germplasm, the companies aim to accelerate the development of commercial hybrids that cater to the unique demands of South American agriculture.
Dror Shalitin, CEO of PlantArcBio, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing Helix's strong regional expertise and their commitment to corn breeding and commercialization. He noted, "By combining our validated genetic technology with Helix's elite commercial lines, we can deliver high-performing, climate-resilient corn hybrids that will significantly impact growers across the region."
Furthermore, the importance of developing drought-resistant corn is underscored by Urbano Ribeiro Jr., CFO of the Agroceres Group. He articulated that such advancements are crucial for Brazilian farmers, especially during the second harvest season when climate conditions can be particularly challenging.
The integration of PlantArcBio’s cutting-edge genetic technology into Helix’s top-tier germplasm aims to create hybrids suitable for both grain production and silage. This goal aligns with the need to address vital agronomic hurdles that farmers face today. As Brazil and Argentina continue to be pivotal players in the global corn market, innovations like these will enable local producers to thrive amid varying climate conditions.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in agricultural biotechnology, promising not only to improve crop performance but also to contribute to the sustainability of farming practices in South America. With a focus on climate resilience, this initiative is vital for ensuring food security and supporting farmers in adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
About PlantArcBio
Founded with a vision to revolutionize agricultural productivity, PlantArcBio is dedicated to enhancing crop performance through its proprietary technologies, including gene discovery and gene-editing optimization. With a commitment to sustainability, the company collaborates with global leaders in agriculture to commercialize transformative innovations across various crops and markets.
About Helix (Agroceres Group)
As a prominent seed company in South America, Helix Sementes is at the forefront of developing corn genetics that meet the specific requirements of Brazilian growers. With a focus on quality and innovation, Helix serves diverse production environments, ensuring that farmers have access to the best genetic solutions to optimize their yield potential.
In summary, this landmark collaboration between PlantArcBio and Helix Sementes signifies a critical advancement in agricultural science, with promising implications for farmers and food production systems in South America, paving the way for a more resilient agricultural future.