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Bayer CropScience Opens €20 Million Seed Lab
16 October 2012
Bayer CropScience has opened an expanded seed research laboratory in Singapore dedicated to support the development of new high-yielding and high-quality seed varieties and hybrids. The original rice seed analytics lab has been relocated and expanded to support a broader range of seed breeding and development activities across Asia/Pacific. Representing an investment of around €20 million (US$28.6 million) over the next five years, the new research unit will work with cutting-edge technologies like DNA marker analysis and molecular assisted breeding, according to a Bayer statement.
Scientists at the facility will work to screen and integrate innovative agronomic and quality traits in canola, corn, cotton, wheat, soybean and rice. Additionally, work will also focus on plant pathology for better control of diseases. Agronomic traits of interest include novel modes or enhanced resistance to diseases, pests and environmental stress. Quality traits of interest include for example better storability, easier processing, improved grain quality and nutritional profile, better cooking features and enhanced fiber quality in the case of cotton.
“With this investment, Bayer Crop-Science aims at developing new solutions to help increase yields and productivity to meet farmers’ needs, as well as quality traits to meet consumer needs,” said Sandra E Peterson, CEO of Bayer CropScience. “This state-of-the-art facility is centrally located in Singapore in an ideal hub location to respond quickly to the needs of our breeders and seed production technicians across Asia/Pacific. Singapore has an established research and development structure and is a source of skilled staff. The new facility will increase the breeding capacity of Bayer CropScience.”
Choon Shian Tan, deputy managing director of the Singapore Economic Development Board, says the seed research laboratory is an important addition to the growing cluster of agrotechnology activities in Singapore. “While we are not an agricultural country, we have the capabilities, infrastructure and an intellectual property environment that leading agribusinesses can leverage to undertake regional R&D activities,” he said.
Bayer presently employs 15 scientists and technicians are employed at the facility. The new lab has a capacity of more than 30 scientists and technicians.
