BASF Plant Science, Genomine, and POSTECH in plant biotech license agreement

BASF Plant Science, South Korean venture company Genomine, and South Korean university POSTECH, today entered into a license agreement for the discovery of genes that help maximise yields in staple food and feed crops such as rice and corn. This includes genes that increase yield under normal circumstances as well as under adverse environmental conditions such as drought.

POSTECH was founded in December 1986, as Korea's first research-orientated university  is now the No.1 science and engineering school in Korea.

''In today's knowledge-based society, private-public collaborations such as this one will not only benefit the parties directly involved, but also benefit the country,'' said professor Yang Do Choi, director of the Korean Crop Functional Genomics Center. 

Over the past decade, South Korea has taken a leadership position in plant biotechnology research.

''Our company is geared towards finding genes that help farmers get the most out of their crops,'' said Dr. Jürgen Logemann, vice president technology management, BASF Plant Science.''

Logemann added, "The work carried out by Genomine and POSTECH perfectly complements our research activities. As a leader in the discovery of genes and the development of traits, we strive to expand our position through continuous interaction with key universities and research institutes.'' BASF Plant Science entered its first South Korean cooperation in 2007 with the Crop Functional Genomics Centrr, a major agreement involving 40 institutes.