Fungal disease resistance: DuPont

Hexima recently entered into a development and commercialisation collaboration with DuPont for fungal resistance technology in corn, soy and other crops. Hexima is taking responsibility for the selection and testing of genes which confer significant resistance to a number of specified fungal pathogens, initially in corn under the terms of the agreement. DuPont will manage the later stage product development and marketing phases.

As part of the collaboration, DuPont will provide certain enabling technologies and teach Hexima scientists corn transformation. The plants will be grown in the new glasshouse to be built at La Trobe University during 2009.

The project draws on the respective strengths of each company, placing them both in a good position to develop and commercialise fungal disease resistance technology for major food crops.

View a diagram of an indicative development stage.

Cotton transformation: Dow AgroSciences

Cotton is one of the most difficult crops to transform, and Hexima’s capability has been recognised by major agribusiness Dow AgroSciences, who contracted Hexima to perform cotton transformation experiments on their behalf, in August 2007. The contract enables Dow to provide better solutions to cotton growers, and provides a current revenue stream. The project is progressing well, on time and budget, and is due to finish in mid 2009.