Monheim, Germany and Paris, France, Feb 10, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Bayer and Meiogenix, a biotech company focused on
next-generation breeding technologies, announced today a collaboration to advance agricultural research and development
by accelerating the development of Meiogenix's proprietary technologies related to plant breeding and genome editing
applications. This new research collaboration has the potential to deliver much-needed plant health and nutrition
improvements to food crops so farmers can more efficiently and sustainably grow improved plant varieties that deliver
the types of foods consumers want.
Monheim, Germany and Paris, France, Feb 10, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Bayer and Meiogenix, a biotech company focused on
next-generation breeding technologies, announced today a collaboration to advance agricultural research and development
by accelerating the development of Meiogenix's proprietary technologies related to plant breeding and genome editing
applications. This new research collaboration has the potential to deliver much-needed plant health and nutrition
improvements to food crops so farmers can more efficiently and sustainably grow improved plant varieties that deliver
the types of foods consumers want.Plants Genetic Diversity
"Farmers need innovative solutions as they face limited natural resources and a changing climate," said Jeremy Williams,
Head of Plant Biotechnology, Crop Science Research & Development (R) at Bayer. "Access to Meiogenix's proprietary technologies could improve the precision and speed with which our
breeders enhance crops, which could ultimately accelerate those solutions for the diverse needs of people and our
planet."
Meiogenix's proprietary technologies are used to induce the exchange of genomic regions between chromosomes of plant
cells during meiosis, the natural process that generates genetic diversity during plant breeding. Technologies based on
meiotic recombination provide commercial crops with access to a broader genetic diversity, including complex traits for
improved food quality, plants' resistance to diseases and pests, and higher yield potential. The resulting hybrids and
varieties have the potential to deliver value throughout the food chain, from farmers to consumers.
"Over the past decade, we have assembled unique know-how, intellectual property portfolio and network of experts to help
generate biodiversity and accelerate breeding through modulating meiotic recombination. We are proud to collaborate with
Bayer to develop the next generations of crops," said Giacomo Bastianelli, Co-founder & CEO of Meiogenix.
"Agriculture is facing the challenge of adjusting plant physiology to rapid climate, pest and disease changes, as well
as preparing the next generation of healthier food. Collaborating on these new breeding technologies will be key to
bringing innovative solutions to farmers and consumers," said Luc Mathis, strategic advisor of Meiogenix.
As part of the project, Meiogenix will collaborate with top academic institutes to advance these technologies in crops.
Bayer offers a wide range of educational materials regarding plant breeding and gene editing technologies on its
website.
"Farmers need innovative solutions as they face limited natural resources and a changing climate," said Jeremy Williams,
Head of Plant Biotechnology, Crop Science Research & Development (R) at Bayer. "Access to Meiogenix's proprietary technologies could improve the precision and speed with which our
breeders enhance crops, which could ultimately accelerate those solutions for the diverse needs of people and our
planet."
Meiogenix's proprietary technologies are used to induce the exchange of genomic regions between chromosomes of plant
cells during meiosis, the natural process that generates genetic diversity during plant breeding. Technologies based on
meiotic recombination provide commercial crops with access to a broader genetic diversity, including complex traits for
improved food quality, plants' resistance to diseases and pests, and higher yield potential. The resulting hybrids and
varieties have the potential to deliver value throughout the food chain, from farmers to consumers.
"Over the past decade, we have assembled unique know-how, intellectual property portfolio and network of experts to help
generate biodiversity and accelerate breeding through modulating meiotic recombination. We are proud to collaborate with
Bayer to develop the next generations of crops," said Giacomo Bastianelli, Co-founder & CEO of Meiogenix.
"Agriculture is facing the challenge of adjusting plant physiology to rapid climate, pest and disease changes, as well
as preparing the next generation of healthier food. Collaborating on these new breeding technologies will be key to
bringing innovative solutions to farmers and consumers," said Luc Mathis, strategic advisor of Meiogenix.
As part of the project, Meiogenix will collaborate with top academic institutes to advance these technologies in crops.
Bayer offers a wide range of educational materials regarding plant breeding and gene editing technologies on its
website.