Technology Wanted:
New Leads for GM Water Optimization in Corn (Maize)

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A client is seeking new GM technologies for trait improvements for water optimization in corn.

Technologies for water optimization in corn (Zea mays L.) are desired to maintain or to increase corn grain yields under sub-optimal water conditions such as drought. Corn is the most economically significant cereal food crop globally. Demand is anticipated to at least double by 2050, concurrent with intensifying weather unpredictability and increasing competition for water resources. The development of GM technologies with improved water optimization traits is critical for sustaining and increasing corn production under water stress conditions.

Technologies of interest include those well supported by scientific data that clearly demonstrates positive effects in corn response to water deficit conditions. Available field-testing evidence will ideally demonstrate maintained or increased total grain yield under drought and, at the minimum, will demonstrate positive effects on yield component(s) or other secondary traits if grain yield is not evaluated.

Ideally, technologies will have:

• A novel aspect, i.e. entail a solution with a unique mode of action or new concept for GM water optimization in corn
• A demonstrated positive effect in other related species in addition to corn

Technologies NOT of interest include those with:

• Negative agronomic characteristics under well-watered growth conditions unless there is experimental evidence suggesting that the negative phenotype could be readily addressed
• Agronomic management practices or technical product use
• No freedom to operate

The client is NOT interested in any leads from large Agriculture companies such as:

• Monsanto
• Syngenta
• BASF
• Bayer CropScience
• Dupont Pioneer

Requirements
All submissions must be non-confidential descriptions of a unique GM technology for water optimization in corn (Zea mays L.) that maintains or increases corn grain yields under sub-optimal water conditions, or at the minimal, improves corn response to water deficit on secondary trait(s)/trait component(s).

Criteria
The following criteria must be met and documented for the client to consider the technology:

1. Unpublished in scientific journals or patents, exclusive rights available


2. Demonstrated efficacy in transgenic corn supported with at least one type of phenotypic data listed below:


• 2.1 Preservation of grain yield measured under managed field stress environment


• 2.2 Preservation of yield components ( e.g. kernel number per plant and kernel weight per plant) under field or greenhouse condition


• 2.3 Positive effects on water stress tolerance related secondary traits under field or greenhouse condition:


• 2.3.1 Preserved photosynthetic activities under water stress at reproductive stage


• 2.3.2 Preserved biomass accumulation abilities under water stress at reproductive stage


• 2.3.3 Preserved cob growth under water stress condition at reproductive stage


• 2.3.4 Other secondary traits that improve corn response to water deficit


3. Demonstrated efficacy in transgenic corn supported with sound statistical analysis


4. Experimental evidence of no negative phenotype under well-watered growth conditions unless there is data indicating that this could be readily addressed


5. Non-confidential description of the coding or non-coding DNA sequence (confidential disclosure agreement will be considered if the solution provider desires to do so)


6. Status of intellectual property protection, including availability of the technology for licensing or purchase