Berlin, Germany
November 10, 1999
CPRO-DLO and AgrEvo enter into a research alliance on functional
genomics in plants. Stichting Dienst Landbouwkundig Onderzoek (DLO) and Hoechst Schering
AgrEvo GmbH announced today the signing of a Research Alliance Framework. Within this
alliance, CPRO (Center for Plant Breeding and Reproductive Research, Wageningen, The
Netherlands) and PGS (Plant Genetic Systems, Gent, Belgium) will represent DLO and AgrEvo,
respectively. The alliance will focus on the functional analysis of genes in several
important plant species.
The director Research of CPRO, Dr Arjen J van Tunen explained "This research alliance
with AgrEvo allows CPRO to create new commercialisation outlets for a significant part of
its functional genomics program and will result in an extension of this program. AgrEvo is
one of
the world's top crop production companies and this collaboration will enable the
development of high added value traits such as pest- and disease resistance, salt and
drought tolerance, food quality, nutritional value and consumer health promotion".
"By entering into an alliance with CPRO, AgrEvo will further strengthen its
innovation capabilities within the field of crop improvement. I'm convinced that this
alliance, with one of the top centres for Agriculture Innovation in Europe, will
accelerate the discovery of valuable products for the farming industry and the
consumer.", said Dr. Jürgen Asshauer, responsible for Research & Development in
the Board of AgrEvo.
CPRO and AgrEvo have agreed to combine their skills, expertise and manpower to initiate a
series of new projects designed to understand the function of valuable genes in important
plant species, starting with Arabidopsis, Brassica oilseed, wheat and rice. Understanding
the role of specific genes in the development and metabolism of plants should allow AgrEvo
and CPRO to develop and improve their respective crops through genetic engineering and
advanced breeding strategies. Improved crops will be beneficial both for farmers (through
agronomic traits such as disease, salt and drought resistance), and the environment
(through the exploitation of natural pest and disease resistance genes). Furthermore it
will be an essential tool to accelerate the enabling of integrated crop management. In a
later phase also the consumers will benefit from this research as it will open new ways to
improve the quality and the health aspects of food and feed products.
CPRO is a scientific research institute situated in Wageningen, The Netherlands, with
expertise, facilities and patents in the area of plant genetics, plant genomics and
functional genomics. The institute is currently merging with two other research institutes
AB and IPO, to form Plant Research International with 850 employees and a projected
turnover of some US$ 50 million in 2000.
Hoechst Schering AgrEvo GmbH is a global player in Biotechnology, Seeds, Crop Protection
and Environmental Health. The company markets a wide range of products for enhancing crop
production, together with applications for urban pest control. AgrEvo operates in more
than 70
countries with approx. 8600 employees. Sales for 1998 were DM 4,2 billion. Hoechst AG and
Rhône-Poulenc SA announced their intention together with Schering AG to merge their
agricultural interests to form Aventis CropScience in December 1999.Company news release
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