Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Both companies will combine their expertise in the fields of protoplast technology and targeted molecular mutagenesis to create novel traits for crop improvement. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The collaboration will initially focus on the use of KeyGene’s new and proprietary KeyBase methodology to develop innovative traits for new oilseed rape varieties. KeyBase comprises a targeted mutagenesis method that is expected to add value to Bayer CropScience’s oilseed rape portfolio by generating desired changes in key genes. In addition, Bayer CropScience has the option to expand the trait development alliance to include KeyBase-mediated development of proprietary Bayer CropScience and/or KeyGene traits in cotton and rice.

The proven ability of KeyGene’s KeyBase methodology to specifically and efficiently target plant genome sequences for mutagenesis provides an innovative approach to trait development using the DNA repair mechanism present in plant cells.

“We are very pleased to enter into this collaboration with KeyGene for the genetic improvement of crops. Their technology is an important tool for our research and development program that will enhance our ability to bring valuable traits to our customers and enable them to be more productive,” said Dr. Joachim Schneider, Head of the BioScience Business Unit at Bayer CropScience.

Arjen van Tunen, KeyGene’s CEO, said: “At KeyGene we are excited about the opportunity to work with Bayer CropScience on trait development in its key crops. Bayer CropScience, being a major player in hybrid oilseed rape, is a preferred strategic partner for KeyGene and creates a perfect outlet for one of our most powerful genetic improvement methods. I am confident that our KeyBase Molecular Mutagenesis methodology will be of high added-value for various seed markets.”

About Bayer CropScience
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 6.830 billion (2010), is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and traits. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of 20,700 and is represented in more than 120 countries.

About KeyGene
KeyGene is a privately owned, innovative molecular genetics Ag Biotech company with a primary focus on the improvement of 6F (Food, Feed, Fiber, Fuel, Flowers and Fun) crops. KeyGene’s passion is a Green Gene Revolution approach to explore and exploit existing and induced natural genetic variation in vegetable and other 6F crops. KeyGene delivers sustainable responses to the world’s needs for yield stability & quality of vegetable and field crops. We help our strategic partners with cutting edge breeding technologies and plant based trait platforms to meet their needs. We perform strategic and applied research with more than 135 employees from all over the world, with state of the art facilities and equipment. KeyGene has its headquarters in Wageningen, the Netherlands, a subsidiary in Rockville, USA and a Joint Lab with the Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences in Shanghai, China.

Contact:
Bayer CropScience
Richard Breum, Tel. +49 2173 38-3270
E-Mail: richard.breum@bayer.com

KeyGene
Niclaudi Boons, Tel. +31 317 466-866
E-Mail: nbo@keygene.com


Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.