Kaiima collaborates with Horizon Ag for new rice varieties

Genetics and breeding technology company Kaiima Bio-Agritech has teamed up with US-based Horizon Ag in order to develop new, high-performing rice varieties.

Initiated last year, the multi-year project combines US adapted germplasm sourced by Horizon Ag and Kaiima's EP technology platform.

Horizon Ag and Kaiima have recently completed the development phase and are entering the new EP rice varieties in first-year yield trials by next year across selected locations in the US rice growing belt.

Kaiima CEO Rick Greubel said: "Kaiima's EP technology platform is a powerful tool for breeding programmes and we look forward to continuing to work with Horizon Ag to develop better rice varieties that create value for rice growers."

The companies are considering the possibility of adding additional germplasm conversion projects in the future.

Designed and developed by Kaiima, EP technology is used by the company as a breeding tool to enhance plant performance by inducing novel diversity within the genome, using the plant's own DNA.

The technology works with all major crops and plant species, and has the potential to enhance the yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as improved seed production.

Horizon Ag general manager Timothy Walker said: "We believe that Kaiima's vision for sustainable rice production complements Horizon Ag's strengths.

"The combination of Kaiima's EPTM technology with Horizon Ag's proven performance of bringing novel rice seed technologies to market has the potential to bring significant new efficiencies to the rice industry of the Southern United States, and we are pleased to be a part of this effort."