CropDesign N.V. (CropDesign) and SUCEST (Sugar Cane EST Genome Project) announced today that they have signed an agreement for a functional genomics alliance. The alliance targets the use of SUCEST’s unique and functionally rich database of sugarcane genes with CropDesign’s proprietary tools for developing crop improvement traits.

Under the terms of the agreement, CropDesign has been granted exclusive access to SUCEST’s database for an undisclosed term. SUCEST and CropDesign will use their combined bioinformatics expertise to select candidate genes from the SUCEST database for crop improvement, including yield enhancement and stress tolerance. Selected genes will be entered into CropDesign’s rice TraitMill^TM. The TraitMill^TM is a comprehensive system for high-throughput evaluation of genes for crop improvement. The system comprises modules for bioinformatics, gene cloning, plant transformation and plant evaluation; all of which are automated for efficient, rapid and high-volume processing.

CropDesign is responsible for commercialisation of the results of the alliance outside of Brazil. Commercial exploitation in Brazil is the joint responsibility of the alliance partners. SUCEST will exclusively commercialise the program results in sugarcane in Brazil.

According to Dr. Herman Van Mellaert, CropDesign CEO, "SUCEST has built one of the most comprehensive plant genome databases integrating sequence and functional information with state-of-the-art data mining tools. Sugarcane is a close genetic relative of major cereal crops such as corn, rice and wheat, even though it is morphologically and physiologically quite distinct. Our access to these sugarcane resources combined with other cereal databases, will increase the efficiency of lead discovery in the TraitMill^TM. " Van Mellaert added, "This agreement reflects our commitment to building a leading applied genomics product development company."

Dr. Paulo Arruda, General Coordinator of SUCEST, said: "We are delighted to be allied with CropDesign through this agreement. This deal highlights the position of SUCEST as a leading Brazilian research consortium with particular expertise in sugarcane molecular biology. Testing of genes from our database with the high-throughput power of the TraitMill^TM is crucial to further understand their function." According to Dr. Arruda, "this agreement also leverages the value of SUCEST’s extensive sugarcane genomics database in the marketplace. Brazil is responsible for 25% of the world’s production of sugarcane, and rice, corn and wheat are also amongst the country’s most important field crops. This alliance puts us in a position to participate in the development of commercially attractive traits."

CropDesign, based in Gent, Belgium is an agbiotech company focused on the application of functional genomics for improved crop performance, including higher yield, heightened tolerance to stress and diseases and better quality. CropDesign applies its technology in rice, wheat and other cereals. Founded in 1998, CropDesign employs over 60 people at its research facilities in Gent.

SUCEST, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the Sugarcane Genome Project funded by FAPESP, the Sao Paulo State research agency. SUCEST began sequencing the sugarcane genome in 1998 and has built one of the most comprehensive databases integrating genome sequence and functional information for that crop.