Corteva Agriscience and BASF announced a long-term collaboration to develop new soybean weed control solutions for farmers around the world. The two companies agreed to cross-license soybean traits, while developing complementary herbicide technologies, enabling both companies to offer innovative soybean weed management solutions. Through the collaboration, Corteva and BASF aim to meet farmers’ demand for tailored weed control options differentiated from those on the market or in development. As a result, both companies anticipate a spark in novel product offers with increased access to the global $7.1 billion soybean seeds and traits market, as well as the $5 billion soybean herbicide market.[1] The first market introduction is planned in North America with additional geographies to follow.
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Corteva will combine a proprietary PPO (protoporphyrinogen oxidase) gene licensed from BASF with its portfolio of herbicide tolerant traits, including Corteva’s proprietary 2,4-D choline gene, to develop a new trait stack for soybeans. The stack will include tolerance to four herbicide modes of action, or distinct mechanisms to achieve control. Together they will provide a new, effective and flexible option to help control the most problematic weeds. This innovative herbicide tolerance stack is expected to be available in all Corteva seed brands. Corteva has licensed the stack to BASF for use in BASF seed brands and also anticipates licensing the trait stack to additional seed companies.
The new soybean trait stack coming from the cooperation will include tolerance to both Corteva and BASF herbicides: BASF’s Liberty® (glufosinate-ammonium), Corteva’s Enlist® herbicides (2,4-D choline with Colex-D® technology) and BASF’s PPO inhibiting herbicides, Kixor® and Tirexor®, as well as a new PPO inhibiting herbicide under development by BASF. The stack will also include tolerance to glyphosate. The agreement allows both companies the opportunity to recommend the other’s herbicide solutions to help ensure farmers have the tools best suited to effectively manage weeds.
“This cooperation is a milestone for us to expand our position in the soybean market,” said Dr. Peter Eckes, President R&D and Regulatory of BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The trait collaboration with Corteva harnesses each of our strengths and allows both companies to maximize value creation in our respective seed brands and industry-leading herbicide pipeline.”