Agro-biotechnology comapny Evogene Ltd. (TASE:EVGN) has signed a cooperation agreement with Canadian seed and agrobusiness company Viterra Inc. (TSX:TV) (Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Inc.) to jointly develop canola with improved yield and tolerance to abiotic stress. Evogene did not disclose the terms of the agreement.
Under the three-year collaboration, the companies will assess a number of Evogene discovered gene candidates in trials involving Viterra's canola lines, which will be evaluated under both normal and stress conditions. Evogene discovered the genes using its Athlete in-silico gene discovery platform. These genes have been evaluated in model plants, showing improved yield under both normal and adverse environmental conditions. Western Canada is one of the world's main canola growing regions.
The companies also intend to sign a co-operation and project funding agreement with the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) to finance the join project.
Abiotic stress refers to environmental factors, such as drought, extreme cold or heat that can harm plants. Evogene noted that with the rapid increase in demand for canola oil worldwide, improving abiotic stress tolerance could significantly expand the geographical regions where canola is grown, and minimize the impact stress conditions have on productivity.
Canola oil is used bith as a cooking oil and for the production of biodiesel, and demand has risen in recent years.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 14, 2008
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