DuPont, Japan Tobacco team up for development of corn and soybean yield traits

30/06/05 DuPont has announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Japan Tobacco Inc., (JT) for development of yield related traits in plants. Scientists at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont subsidiary and a world leader in agricultural plant genetics, will work directly with JT. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

JT has developed a proprietary screening system for evaluating yield and yield-related parameters in rice plants. The screening system has already identified a number of promising leads that the companies plan to further evaluate in several important row crops.

Japan Tobacco Inc. is the world's third largest international manufacturer of tobacco products. The company manufactures internationally recognized cigarette brands including Camel, Winston, Mild Seven and Salem. Since its privatization in 1985, JT has actively diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals and foods. The company's net sales were JPY 4,664 trillion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, 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, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.