BASF and CVC to co-develop GM sugar cane

BASF and the Brazilian sugar cane developer, Centro de Tecnologia Canaviera (CVC – Piracicaba), are to co-develop genetically modified sugar cane varieties in Brazil. The major focus will be on drought tolerance and yield improvement, but the deal signed this month also “provides the possibility for both companies to evaluate the development of sugar cane varieties with herbicide-tolerant characteristics”. The agreement signals BASF’s move into biotechnology activities in the sugar cane sector, it says. CTC is the “leading sugar cane research centre in Brazil”, with 40 years’ history and 15 years dedicated to biotechnology. The companies are targeting products for ethanol production.