Mendel Biotechnology and Bayer CropScience have collaborated to jointly come up with a herbicide with novel modes of action. There is increasing evidence of weeds resistant to herbicides in different geographies, including those that are resistant to multiple herbicide classes. Bayer CropScience, the globally ranked number 2 company in herbicides will use its expertise in herbicide research and development along with Mendel Biotechnology’s knowledge of plant genetic regulatory networks. Bayer will use its genetic tools and assays to understand the development of plants. This collaboration offers promising synergies.

Dr. C. David Nicholson, Global Head, R&D at Bayer CropScience said that there is a major need in agriculture for herbicides acting through novel modes of action. He said, “We believe that this collaboration will help us continue our significant contributions in agriculture chemistry and will further strengthen our partnering to cultivate new ideas and answers to help growers to tackle weed resistance issues and to protect their crops.”

The President and CEO of Mendel Biotechnology, Dr. Neal Gutterson said, “We are excited to expand our partnership with Bayer CropScience into this new area of herbicide discovery.” He further added that this collaboration is recognition of the broad applicability of Mendel’s core technology and know-how in various fields of agriculture and another step towards realization of the company’s new open architecture business strategy.