Monsanto and Plant Health Care to Collaborate on Harpin Technology

Monsanto announced that it has entered into an agreement with Britain-based Plant Health Care PLC for the commercialization of harpin-based technology as a seed treatment in Monsanto’s major row crops and vegetables. Harpin is a specific type of protein produced in nature by certain plant pathogens. It elicits the plant's intrinsic ability to protect itself and enhances growth. Harpin has been shown to activate the salicylic acid-dependent and jasmonic acid–induced pathway, both of which are involved in plant defense, enhance plant nutrient uptake and increase net photosynthesis. Because harpin does not interact directly with pests, nor does it alter the DNA of treated plants, pests are not expected to develop resistance to it.

Under the long-term agreement, Plant Health Care will license Monsanto the exclusive rights to commercialize harpin seed treatment technology in corn, soybeans, cotton, canola and selected vegetables. In return, Plant Health Care will get a milestone payment plus ongoing royalties based on the volume of harpin seed treatment. Monsanto seeds treated with Harpin may be available to farmers as part of its Acceleron brand seed treatment by 2010.

View the press release at http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=672