ICL, a leading global specialty minerals company, and ag-biotech company PlantArcBio, Ltd., have announced the development of a novel bio-stimulant technology platform that will increase crop yields while having a low environmental impact.
The platform, which was the result of a multi-year research collaboration between the two companies, successfully uses RNAi technology to maximize a plant's natural yield increase mechanisms without any genetic modification.
The platform has significantly increased seed weight per hectare for canola crops in early-stage field trials, and ICL and PlantArcBio are planning larger-scale field trials in 2022. These will include putting the new technology platform through its paces with commercial sprayers as well as standard farming practices. Greenhouse trials for soybeans and rice are already underway, with promising early results.
The platform has significantly increased seed weight per hectare for canola crops in early-stage field trials, and ICL and PlantArcBio are planning larger-scale field trials in 2022. These will include putting the new technology platform through its paces with commercial sprayers as well as standard farming practices. Greenhouse trials for soybeans and rice are already underway, with promising early results.
Sutovsky stated, "ICL and PlantArcBio have filed for a joint patent on the application for multiple crops." "The application does its job and then quickly disappears from both the plants and the environment, lasting only a few days because it is highly biodegradable and leaves no residual footprint."
"The positive canola field trial results represent another milestone in strengthening PlantArcBio's capabilities in the development of RNAi-based products," said Dror Shalitin, Ph.D., PlantArcBio's founder and CEO. "ICL, a market leader in crop nutrition products, is an excellent strategic partner for us as we seek to commercialize this sustainable technology globally."
About ICL
ICL Group is a global specialty minerals company that benefits from commodity price increases. In the global food, agriculture, and industrial markets, the company develops impactful solutions to humanity's sustainability challenges.
To drive growth across its end markets, ICL leverages its unique bromine, potash, and phosphate resources, a passionate team of talented employees, and a strong focus on R&D and technological innovation. ICL stock is traded on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The company employs over 12,000 people worldwide, and its revenue in 2021 is expected to be around $7 billion.
About PlantArcBio
PlantArcBio, Ltd. (PAB) is a public Ag-biotech company that has developed an innovative and IP-protected Direct-In-Plant (DIPTM) discovery platform primarily for use in the agricultural industry, with the goal of contributing to global food security and addressing sustainable agriculture. The company uses its platform to discover and develop novel genes and biological components that have beneficial effects on plants, such as increased yield, drought resistance, and herbicide and insect tolerance.
