The Beijing-based Origin Agritech Company secures a plot for its triple-stacked GMO corn trait with an anticipation for commercial launch this summer
Chinese agricultural technology company, Origin Agritech Limited, (HQ: Zhong-Guan-Cun (ZGC) Life Science Park, Beijing) has achieved recognition by securing significant ground in the ‘National Demo plot’, the plots cultivated by leading farmers in China’s agriculture sector.
Origin Agritech’s genetically modified (GMO) corn is the only triple-stacked trait corn selected for the national demo plot and is currently grown in the plot. The hybrid variant anticipates commercial launch later this year.
In crop seed biotechnologies, Origin Agritech’s phytase corn was the first transgenic corn to receive the Bio-Safety Certificate from China’s Ministry of Agriculture. Over the years, Origin has established a robust biotechnology seed pipeline including products with glyphosate tolerance and pest resistance (Bt) traits.
The hybrid has the approved triple stack trait BFL4-2, which is comprised of two different insect resistance genes, making it resistant to all the major corn pests, as well as an herbicide resistance gene. BFL4-2 is considered by many in the industry to be the ‘crown jewel’ of current seed traits in China as it is the only approved triple stack trait. Using its proprietary germplasm and transgenic technology, Origin collaborated on the development program for BFL4-2 and is the only company to have the stacked traits integrated into hybrid corn, giving it a several-year head start over potential competition.
The approval procedure is in progress for four different varieties containing BFL4-2, including the Company’s NEC corn. With dramatically increased yields, this highly sought after variety offers greater benefits. Commercial launch of these varieties is expected in summer 2023.
“Having the triple stacked trait integrated into four of our hybrid corn, along with our other traits in the approval process including our drought resistance gene, really puts us in pole position in the race to commercialize GMO corn in China. MOA has recognized the importance of our revolutionary new GMO corn varieties by including them in the demo plot. We are best positioned to capitalize on this multi-billion-dollar market opportunity” said Origin Agritech’s Chairman Gangchen Han.