Evogene looks beyond plant genomics to bacteria for pest resistance

In Israel, Evogene is looking beyond its traditional research areas of plant genomics and will now look at bacteria genomics as well in hopes of unlocking resistance to pests. The idea is take a different tack as creating pest resistance in plants that doesn’t lead to increased pest resistance to those methods as they mutate. The company recently announced a deal on herbicide R&D with BASF but will likely have to delay the release of an adapted castor seed for biofuels it is developing with a Brazilian partner due to low fuel prices.