BASF Plant Science and Australian research centre to develop genetically optimized wheat

08/06/06 BASF Plant Science and the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre (MPBCRC) has announced the expansion of their joint research and development program. The objective is to develop high yielding wheat varieties that are at the same time more resistant to fungal diseases and adverse environmental conditions such as drought. The joint program with an overall budget of approximately € 17 million (equivalent to AUD 28 million) has been scheduled for seven years and involves 25 scientists based at MPBCRC.

“We are intensifying the cooperation with MPBCRC, because the results achieved to date have exceeded our expectations,” states Dr. Hans Kast, President and CEO of BASF’s plant biotechnology company. “We are already one of the leading companies in the field of the discovery and use of agronomically important genetic traits. Through our intensified cooperation with MPBCRC, we are decisively extending this competence for wheat as well.”

As part of the joint research program, BASF Plant Science is making available its comprehensive collection of gene candidates for yield increase, drought tolerance and resistance to fungal diseases. MPBCRC will provide expertise and a patented technique for developing highly effective genetic modifications of wheat under typical agricultural conditions.

“BASF Plant Science has chosen MPBCRC as the best partner to undertake this most significant research and development program in genetic modification of wheat. This is testimony to the fact that MPBCRC is an international centre of excellence in molecular plant breeding research,” says MPBCRC CEO Dr Glenn Tong.

After corn, wheat is the most frequently cultivated cereal in the world. Prolonged periods of drought can have a major impact on economies, causing double-digit percentage losses in yield not only in arid areas such as Australia but increasingly also in Europe. Fungal diseases can also significantly reduce yields. Genetically modified wheat that can resist fungal attacks will help farmers use crop protection agents more efficiently.

MPBCRC is one of the world’s leading centres of excellence in molecular plant breeding research. It was formed in July 2003 under the Cooperative Research Centres Program funded by the Commonwealth Government.

It aims to develop new technologies in molecular genetics and molecular plant breeding and implements effective strategies for their use in cereal and pasture grass improvement programs.

The technologies developed by MPBCRC are being commercialised and delivered through the involvement of breeding organisations and seed companies in Australia and around the world.