In a recent media interaction, Origin Agritech Chairman and CEO Dr. Gengchen Han provide you with an update on our recent developments, including our progress in GMO commercialization, the performance of our commercial hybrids, and advancements in our gene editing business.
GMO Commercialization Developments
Recently, Origin Agritech achieved a significant milestone by obtaining China’s GMO safety certificate for our transgenic maize, BBL2-2. This maize GMO event, developed in collaboration with the Biotechnology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainable agricultural practices. The BBL2-2 maize event is engineered with two insect-resistant genes, Cry1Ab and Cry3b, and one herbicide-tolerance gene, Cp4-epsps. These genetic traits provide robust protection against various pests, including corn borer, cotton bollworm, armyworm, and Firefly bimaculata, making it the only maize variant in China resistant to coleopteran pests. We are also progressing with several hybrids incorporating these traits, which are entering GMO variety registration trials.
Commercial Hybrid Performance
At Origin Agritech, we have always focused on developing hybrid crops that deliver superior yield, resilience, and sustainability. Our latest commercial hybrids have performed exceptionally well in field trials and commercial plantings, demonstrating significant advantages over traditional varieties. These hybrids are engineered to thrive under high-density planting conditions, which are crucial for maximizing yield per acre. By optimizing plant architecture, including improved leaf angles and root structures, our hybrids allow for higher planting density without sacrificing plant health or productivity.
One of our standout performers is the new corn hybrid, OY728, which has shown excellent results in various planting environments. Its robust growth and high yield potential have made it a preferred choice for farmers looking to increase their productivity and profitability. The improved version of OY728 will be in production and sales in 2025. Additionally, our NEC hybrids have also performed well in large-scale demo plots, offering superior yield and nutritional value.
Gene Editing Business Progress
Our gene editing business is a testament to our commitment to developing next-generation solutions that enhance crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability. Through precise gene editing techniques, we have achieved remarkable breakthroughs that are transforming the agricultural landscape. One of our most notable achievements is developing a high-yield corn inbred line. Over two years of rigorous multilocational field trials, this gene-edited line has demonstrated a yield increase of more than 50% compared to the non-edited check inbred. This leap in productivity addresses global food security challenges and sets a new standard for crop efficiency.
In addition to increased yields, our gene-edited crops offer significant cost reductions in hybrid seed production. By enhancing specific genetic traits, we can create more productive and cost-effective crops for farmers to grow. Another groundbreaking development is establishing the world’s first induction line genetic transformation system. This innovative system allows us to quickly and accurately edit major maize inbred lines with diverse genetic backgrounds. It breaks the technical barrier of improving maize inbred lines through gene editing, enabling us to enhance crop traits within just one year.
We have developed various gene editing platforms to precisely improve commercial hybrids, including optimizing plant architecture to increase planting density, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and other characteristics. The gene-edited high-yield inbreds and related hybrids are currently in production trials and demo plots this season, with the gene-edited plant architecture hybrids soon to enter commercial production.
