Kaiima Bio-Agritech has partnered with Horizon Ag to develop new rice varieties for the US market by using a breeding tool developed by Kaiima.
While Kaiima, based in Israel, is a genetics and breeding technology company, Horizon Ag is a Tennessee-based technology provider for the US rice industry.
Their multi-year project, which kicked off last year, combines US adapted germplasm sourced by Horizon Ag with the EP technology platform developed by Kaiima.
Horizon Ag general manager Timothy Walker said: "We believe that Kaiima's vision for sustainable rice production complements Horizon Ag's strengths.
"The combination of Kaiima's EP technology with Horizon Ag's proven performance of bringing novel rice seed technologies to market has the potential to bring significant new efficiencies to the rice industry of the Southern United States, and we are pleased to be a part of this effort."
Both the companies recently completed the development phase of the new EP rice varieties and will hold the first year yield trials next year in certain locations across the rice growing belt in the US.
The partners are looking at adding more germplasm conversion projects going ahead.
Kaiima’s EP technology, which is compatible with all important crops and plant species, is a breeding tool designed to improve plant performance. This it does by utilizing the plant’s own DNA to induce genetic diversity within the genome.
Kaiima CEO Rick Greubel said: "Kaiima's EP technology platform is a powerful tool for breeding programs and we look forward to continuing to work with Horizon Ag to develop better rice varieties that create value for rice growers."
According to Kaiima, the EP technology increases yield, creates genetic diversity in crops and improves their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Besides it also results in streamlining the timeline to develop the project and in improved seed production.
