Swiss agribusiness company Syngenta and Dutch-based life sciences company DSM are collaborating to develop microbial-based agricultural solutions such as bio-controls, bio-pesticides and bio-stimulants and plan to commercialize these innovations through their joint discovery platform.
Through this partnership, the companies intend to deliver a broad range of products that are derived from naturally occurring micro-organisms for pre- and post-harvest application across the globe. These organisms can protect the crops from pests and diseases by helping them combat resistance, encourage plant productivity and fertility.
Syngenta will provide its specialized expertise in agronomic applications and plant biotechnology and aid the R&D project through its strong global reach, market access and commercial strength. DSM will offer its expansive microbial database, discovery platform, and expertise in scaling and manufacturing of microbial products.
Syngenta will also provide a separate R&D program for the selection of pertinent micro-organisms.
Syngenta R&D head Trish Malarkey said: "New microbial-based solutions will contribute to meeting the challenge of producing more food from fewer resources, benefiting farmers, consumers, the environment and society. Our collaboration with DSM brings together breakthrough science and the ability to formulate and deliver biological tools on a global scale."
DSM chief innovation officer Rob van Leen said: "Our society asks for sustainable solutions to safeguard food and nutrition security. With DSM's bright science in the micro-organism field, we can help address this global challenge together with Syngenta and its specialized know-how and market access. We look forward to using our long-standing experience and leading competence in bio (process) technology to accelerate the development of biological solutions for agriculture."
Recently, Syngenta acquired US-based crop management software developer Ag Connections, in order to integrate whole-farm management technologies.
Syngenta has been using Ag Connections farm management software for the past 14 years, as part of its AgriEdge Excelsior program. The AgriEdge program provides products, services, and technology and risk management systems to farmers.
The acquisition will help Syngenta put its portfolio to full use in order to cater to the whole-farm needs of growers.
Image: The collaboration will develop products that protect the crops from pests. Photo: Courtesy of antpkr/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
