Key Takeaways:
- Who is involved? Cibus, Inc., Albaugh LLC, and RTDC Corporation Limited.
- What is the agreement for? To provide Clethodim as part of Cibus’ HT-3 weed management solution for U.S. rice farmers.
- Why is this important? The HT-3 trait enhances weed management and contributes to higher crop yields and quality.
- Who benefits? U.S. and global rice farmers seeking improved weed management tools.
- What’s next? Commercialization of Clethodim-tolerant rice traits, with ongoing partnerships in the U.S. and South America.
Cibus Announces Collaboration for Herbicide-Tolerant Rice Trait Commercialization
Cibus, Inc. (Profile) has announced a strategic agreement with RTDC Corporation Limited and Albaugh LLC to integrate Clethodim into its HT-3 weed management solution for U.S. rice farmers. This collaboration supports the commercialization of Cibus’ Clethodim-tolerant HT-3 trait and expands options for rice growers seeking advanced weed control solutions.
Albaugh LLC, a global leader in crop protection, will leverage its expertise in herbicide registration and market development to complement Cibus’ gene editing capabilities. The partnership aims to bring improved weed management systems to rice growers, addressing key challenges such as yield loss and crop quality.
Addressing Weed Management Challenges in Rice Cultivation
Weed pressure is a significant factor affecting rice yields and quality. Herbicide tolerance traits provide an essential tool for farmers, contributing to the multi-billion-dollar global trait industry. Cibus’ HT-3 trait introduces Clethodim tolerance, offering rice farmers a new weed management solution. This trait is one of two herbicide-tolerant traits developed by Cibus and represents the first in a series of stacked traits for rice.
Cibus has established partnerships with four seed companies – two in the U.S. and two in South America – and is actively pursuing discussions with major rice seed firms in Asia to advance HT-3 rice globally.
Industry Perspectives on the Collaboration
Chad W. Shelton, Group Director for Herbicide Tolerant Crops at Albaugh, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “This strategic collaboration and innovative technology have strong potential to help rice growers in the U.S. and key rice markets globally keep pace with the latest herbicide-tolerant crop technologies. Albaugh is excited to be part of this initiative to deliver performance value to rice growers.”
Calvin Lu, Vice General Manager of RTDC, highlighted the combined strengths of the partnership. “This technology merges Cibus’ gene editing innovations with Albaugh’s herbicide expertise, providing rice farmers with enhanced weed management options. We are proud to contribute to this project.”
Norm Sissons, Senior Vice President of Seeds and Traits at Cibus, emphasized the importance of the agreement. “This partnership with Albaugh marks a crucial milestone in our strategy to commercialize Clethodim-tolerant HT-3 rice. Albaugh’s commercial focus and expertise will help us accelerate market entry and bring value to rice growers.”
1 Comment