Replies to post #187634 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

RKDA inks collaboration with (private) Phytola to increase oil content of soybeans without reducing protein:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/arcadia-biosciences-phytola-collaborate-increase-130000232.html

Arcadia Biosciences, Inc…announced a collaboration with Phytola, a leader in oilseed crop research, to develop soybean varieties with increased oil content.

Based on research by Dr. Randall Weselake, scientific director of Phytola, the project will use genome analysis to isolate soybean seed traits that can enhance oil production in soybeans without negatively affecting protein levels. Arcadia intends to validate the best targets…and if successful targets are identified, would lead commercialization efforts in North and South America through Verdeca, its joint venture with Bioceres S.A.

Soybean oil typically comprises 18 to 20 percent of the seed and is used for cooking, as an ingredient in processed foods, and for industrial purposes. Soybeans that produce more oil will offer increased value for farmers, seed companies and processors. Phytola and Arcadia researchers believe genomic modifications have the potential to significantly increase soybean seed oil content, and they aim to boost the oil content by up to 25 percent. Such a breakthrough has the potential to be used in up to one-quarter of the growing global soybean seed market, currently worth as much as $4.5 billion annually.