Alternative Mode of Action for Herbicide Tolerance Now in Co-Development by Syngenta and Bayer CropScience

BASEL, Switzerland, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta and Bayer CropScience announced today a co-development agreement on an HPPD herbicide tolerance trait for soybeans. The trait is in early development with launch in North America expected in the second half of this decade. By incorporating tolerance to HPPD herbicides, and thereby enabling the use of leading weed control products, the new trait will provide a powerful mode of action for weed control and the management of weed resistance, particularly to glyphosate. The trait will have significant potential for out-licensing as well as in the companies' respective branded seeds businesses.

"The HPPD trait will be an important new tool for soybean growers faced with increasing pressure from resistant weeds," said Davor Pisk, Syngenta Chief Operating Officer. "It will broaden the trait options available to growers and expand the market opportunity for our leading herbicide mesotrione, branded CALLISTO®. The introduction of this technology will substantially improve soybean productivity."

"Through this collaboration we will be able to further complement our HPPD herbicide portfolio such as Balance® and Laudis® and our trait pipeline for soybeans with yet another solution for improved grower productivity and sustainability," said Lykele van der Broek, Chief Operating Officer of Bayer CropScience. "HPPD technology will complement our resistance breaking LibertyLink® trait and will provide powerful alternatives to other herbicide tolerance products in development."

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.  For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

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SOURCE Syngenta