Evogene's ATHLETE has greatly increased the speed of identification of genes linked to a specific trait

DuPont’s subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and the Israeli research company, Evogene (Rehovat) are to collaborate on drought tolerance in maize and soybeans.  

The collaboration makes use of Evogene’s in-silico gene discovery technology, “ATHLETE” (Agro Traits Harvest LEads TEchnology). ATHLETE enables accurate comparative genomics through assembly and mining of vast genomic data and has greatly increased the speed of identification of genes linked to a specific trait, Evogene says.

Though the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Evogene is to receive a one-time payment upon execution of the agreement, and may receive further additional payments, depending on the advance of Pioneer’s R&D process. “This collaboration reinforces the value of our gene discovery tools and will help us determine the utility of our candidate genes”, says Ofer Haviv, president and CEO of Evogene.
By Simon Varcoe

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