Evogene's unique gene discovery and validation capabilities are currently utilized for trait development of genetically modified plants in 5 key traits (detailes in the Pipeline section). Trait development projects that are currently in the most advanced stages include improving increasing plant tolerance to abiotic stress and nitrogen use efficiency. Proprietary genes were licensed to leading seed companies, and are currently being introduced into commercial lines. Evogene focuses on research and early development of traits in house. Introduction into elite commercial lines and further development is usually done through collaboration with leading seed and Ag-chemical companies based on down-payments, milestone payments and royalties.
Evogene's trait development of genetically modified plants complies with the industry's standard process beginning with gene discovery and validation in model and target plants and continuing with additional development steps such as introduction into elite lines, large scale field trials and regulation. Although similar in process work-flow, our development is different in essence. We utilize unique computational capabilities to rapidly focus on a limited prioritized list of genes with high relevance to the desired trait, rather than conducting large scale biological screening.
Trait Development Workflow
Computational gene discovery utilizing our proprietary “ATHLETE” platform relies heavily on tools that enable the processing of mass amounts of data accumulated for various crops. The data is assembled into a project oriented database using gene refining, structuring and additional analysis tools and mined using advanced algorithmic tools. While in most companies the gene discovery process might last 2-3 years and would include in vitro and in plant analysis of hundreds of genes, Evogene's computational gene discovery takes only 6 to 9 months and produces up to 100 lead candidate genes in-silico with high likelihood of impacting the trait when introduced into plants. This list of candidate genes is narrowed through a validation process comprising expression correlation and gene transformation into model plant systems and target crops. The process also includes attributing proprietary promoters to leading candidate genes. We strive to reach 3-5 final prioritized constructs which display the best performance. These genes are further licensed for commercial application. More information on the discovery and validation process can be found in the Technology section.
Proven Results in Plants
Trait development in our various projects has produced strong in planta experimental results permitting partnerships with leading companies in the seed business. Tomato plants over expressing proprietary genes for improving plant tolerance to drought and salinity conditions grown under drought conditions have shown an increase of up to 25% yield compared to standard non GM lines. Arabidopsis plants over-expressing proprietary genes for improving their ability to utilize nitrogen from the soil grown under extremely low nitrogen have produced 30% and higher seed yield compared to standard arabidopsis plants.Additional information on our trait development projects can be found in the Pipeline section.
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Trait Development (Genetic Modification) projects:
Improved Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Improved Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Increased Yield Dicot
Incresed Yield Monocots
Resistant Banana to Black Leaf Streak Disease
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