Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. announced today plans to use a new, molecular-level  technology known as "DNA Shuffling'' to accelerate the development of advanced crop genetics in corn, soybeans and other crops.

With the signing of a five-year, strategic collaboration with Maxygen Inc., of Santa Clara., California, Pioneer is the first to apply the proprietary technology to agricultural crop improvement.

"DNA Shuffling technology, used in concert with other genetic technologies, will allow Pioneer
to shorten the time it takes to deliver advanced crops to the market,'' said Rick McConnell, Pioneer senior vice president for research and product development.

DNA Shuffling allows researchers to generate extensive genetic variability and then select the
sequence that performs best. For example, Pioneer could use DNA Shuffling to improve the
performance of genes for disease or insect resistance, and quality grain traits.

Plant breeders have been "shuffling genes'' in the field for decades at the whole plant level.
They cross two parents to produce progeny extensively with new gene sequences. They then
test those progeny for improved traits such as higher yield, improved stress tolerance or better
nutritional characteristics.

The DNA Shuffling technology that Pioneer is applying to crop improvement - a hi-tech
marriage of cutting edge biochemistry and information technology - will enable researchers to
optimize and assimilate many, many more gene combinations in the lab before testing in the field.

Pioneer researchers will still cross, grow, and test plant performance in the field. This technology
will increase the efficiency of selecting successful trait combinations before testing experimental
products in the field.

"It is cutting-edge technology like this coupled with our ability to integrate new technologies and
develop elite germplasm, that is going to meet the needs of farmers and end-users well into the
future,'' McConnell said.

The collaboration with Maxygen is the latest of a number of important collaborations --
including a broad research alliance with DuPont -- Pioneer has made to enhance its position as
the world leader in developing and marketing improved crop genetics.

"The value Pioneer can create from the DNA Shuffling technology is certainly enhanced by the
fact that we have the world's largest plant genetics library and the best collective knowledge of
how corn and other crops work,'' said McConnell.

Besides being the largest plant genetics company with established success, Pioneer has a lead in the race to understand the corn genome. The company was the first to apply genomics research in the seed industry in 1996. Today the company has sequence information for 80 percent of the genes in corn and has discovered more than 50 genes that contribute to quality and agronomic traits in corn.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., is the world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and
the leading developer and integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines,
Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, forage/grain additives and
services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

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