DuPont will gain a better understanding of genes responsible for triggering and controlling complex plant processes through a new relationship with Agilent Technologies and Rosetta Biosoftware
Researchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a subsidiary of DuPont headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, will use microarray and informatics systems from Agilent and Rosetta in their plant genomics research to construct a series of snapshots of how genes express themselves during specific stages of a plant's life. Gaining a better understanding of plant function will enable Pioneer to continue to accelerate the product breakthroughs and improvements it brings to farmers each growing season.
Agilent will provide Pioneer with its customised offering of DNA microarrays and related services and microarray reagents under Agilent's custom microarray programme.
Pioneer will analyse the microarray data using the Rosetta Resolver system, distributed exclusively through Agilent.
"These are powerful technologies made all the more powerful by their use at Pioneer," said Tony Cavalieri, vice president and director, Trait and Technology Development for Pioneer.
"The combination of these tools, Pioneer's superior germplasm and our established genomics programs will provide our researchers with significant advantages.
We will expand and deepen our understanding of gene expression in plants, enabling us to improve our products' performance and develop new products for our customers." The Agilent and Rosetta Biosoftware systems provide another tool in Pioneer's genomics programme and will contribute to Pioneer's strengths in such areas as proteomics, biochemistry and physiology.
Pioneer was the first agricultural plant genetics company to enter into the field of genomics for product development.
Pioneer has gene sequence information for approximately 80% of the genes in corn.
"Our collaboration with Pioneer to capture information that will ultimately expand knowledge of how plants work is beneficial to all parties along the food value chain," said Barney Saunders, vice president and general manager of Agilent's BioResearch Solutions unit.
"We are confident that the enhanced sensitivity of our 60-mer microarrays and the speed and flexibility of our customisable microarray manufacturing will provide an advantage to Pioneer in advancing its genomics research."
