Syngenta and Bayer CropScience Sign Global Cotton Technology Licensing Agreement

BASEL, Switzerland, July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Syngenta and Bayer CropScience have entered into a long-term business agreement relating to a key plant biotechnology trait. Under the agreement, Syngenta has granted Bayer CropScience a worldwide, non-exclusive license for use of VIPCOT™ insect control technology in cotton.

The VIPCOT technology expresses two insecticidal proteins that are highly effective against a number of important cotton pests, including cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa zea) and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens). The addition of VIPCOT will complement Bayer's existing portfolio of cotton solutions, which includes high-performance cottonseed brands FiberMax®, Stoneville® and Surpass®, and technologies including LibertyLink® and GlyTol® herbicide-tolerance and TwinLink® insect resistance.

Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta Seeds, said, "This agreement further demonstrates the innovation that Syngenta is delivering in biotechnology. VIPCOT contains the same gene as AGRISURE VIPTERA™, to be launched by Syngenta in the US corn market later this year. The agreement with Bayer CropScience means that cotton growers will also see an expansion of the technology options available to them."

"Bayer is committed to being a leader in bringing innovative cotton solutions to farmers that help them tackle tough agronomic challenges and become more productive and profitable," said Dr. Joachim Schneider, Head of the BioScience business unit of Bayer CropScience. "We have one of the most robust cotton technology pipelines in the business, and we are pleased to be working with Syngenta to advance yet another insect control technology offering to benefit cotton farmers worldwide."

Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 25,000 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