Biotech Updates

Monsanto and Huazhong Agric University Collaborate on Plant Biotech Research

October 23, 2009

Monsanto Company announced that it has signed a collaboration pact with China's Huazhong Agricultural University to "further the development of novel traits such as higher yield, drought resistance and nitrogen use efficiency." Monsanto will evaluate and advance certain technologies developed by Professor Qifa Zhang's research team at the Huazhong University, it said in a press release.

"We're excited to be working with a prominent research team in China who has demonstrated great expertise in genomics and biotechnology discovery research," said Steve Padgette, Monsanto's Vice President for Biotechnology. "This collaboration will benefit both parties." The company recognized China as an important place for research and development in plant biotechnology.

Monsanto has also established a scholarship program at the university for top undergraduate students pursuing degrees in plant biotech, plant breeding, plant protection, horticulture and other agricultural disciplines.

The press release is available at http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=759