NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Dow AgroSciences and Oregon State University today announced an agreement to use Dow's genome modification technology for tree improvement research.
Researchers at the university will use Dow's Exzact Precision Technology, a toolkit for targeted genome modification, to make changes to essential genes for flowering and reproduction. As part of the deal, Dow is also allowing access to its intellectual property, zinc finger reagents, and scientific expertise.
The research will be directed at tree improvement, "a critical area" for the lumber industry, Dow said. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
The Exzact Precision Technology allows for the editing, addition, or deletion of genes in complete plant genomes for "precise engineering of multi-gene stacks, editing of native gene sequences, and targeted gene disruption in a wide variety of plant species," Dow said in a statement.