IMPROVING DROUGHT TOLERANCE INCROP PLANTS: AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Robert Bensen, Christine Chaulk-Grace, Satya Chintamanani, Mike Magwire and Todd Warner

Genetics Group, Syngenta Seeds Research, 317 Hwy 19 Blvd, Stanton, MN, USA 55018

Abstract

Limited available water is the single largest factor that limits global crop productivity, and drought conditions can be devastating for small and large farmers alike. Agriculture currently accounts for 70% of the water used by man, often exceeding local regeneration rates, which points to current and impending shortages of water available for agriculture in many areas of the world. Thus, there is an urgent need to apply the tools of biotechnology towards improving how efficiently crops use water, and the major seed companies of the world have had significant R&D efforts directed at improving water use efficiency (WUE) in crop plants. This presentation will describe a number of technical approaches being applied to develop crops with improved WUE at Syngenta. In particular, the presentation will highlight the work behind the discovery and commercialization of a drought tolerant corn product line: Artesian.

Keywords: Agriculture, Water Use Efficiency, Drought, Corn, Artesian.