Syngenta Licenses an AgrisureTrait to DuPont

Posted by Matt Hopkins|21 December 2010

Syngenta will grant DuPont’s Pioneer Hi-Bred the non-exclusive, global license to its corn rootworm trait MIR604 (Agrisure) for corn seed. The trait provides protection from below-ground coleopteran insects, including corn rootworm, a major corn pest in the United States and around the world, according to a company statement.

The license gives Pioneer full stacking rights of MIR604 with other traits. The value of the deal could exceed $400 million in cumulative payments. Detailed financial terms were not disclosed. The relationship is the latest in a series of announcements in the seed and trait business that rewards companies for biotechnology innovations through licensing.

Agrisure Viptera, a new insecticidal mode of action that uses protein controls in conjunction with Bt. It is effective on 14 different insects, and it will be commercialized in 2011 in corn to control rootworm, corn borer, armyworms and a broad array of Lepidopteran.

Pioneer President Paul E. Schickler said: “Pioneer is creating unique trait combinations to offer next generation insect protection products. The new products will deliver growers additional choice in the Optimum AcreMax family of products.”