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Starch potatoes as well as potatoes resistant to
late blight
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Field trials in Germany, Sweden and the
Netherlands
Limburgerhof, Germany - April 5, 2012 - BASF Plant
Science will again conduct field trials this year with
genetically optimized potatoes which are undergoing the EU
approval process. The field trials will take place at
various sites in Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. In
addition to the starch potato Modena, the company will also
be planting its late blight resistant variety
Fortuna.
As potatoes can only be stored for short periods,
they are usually multiplied every year. Besides
multiplication, the aim of the current cultivation is to
test and document the performance of the potato varieties
under different environmental conditions as well as the
resistance characteristics of the Fortuna potato.
The field trials will be conducted in the state of
Sachsen-Anhalt in Germany, in the provinces of
Skåne and Halland in Sweden, as
well as in the provinces of Gelderland, Drenthe and
Noord-Brabant in the Netherlands. In total, genetically
optimized potatoes will be planted on less than one
hectare.
BASF is convinced that plant biotechnology is a
technology of the future. But in the mid-term, BASF does
not see any opportunities for the commercial cultivation of
genetically modified plants in Europe. Therefore, BASF
announced in January 2012 that it would concentrate its
activities on the main markets in North and South America
as well as the growing markets in Asia and halt the
development and commercialization of all products that are
targeted solely for cultivation in the European markets.
However, to keep strategic options open, all ongoing
approval applications and variety protection processes for
the Amadea, Modena and Fortuna potato projects are being
continued.
"To maintain all options for our potato varieties, we
will continue, as announced, the approval processes already
underway and the multiplication of seed material for that
purpose. As in previous years, we will take all measures in
close cooperation with the competent authorities while
conducting the field trials," said Dr. Peter Eckes,
President of BASF Plant Science.
The decision to halt the commercialization of potato
projects solely for the European market is part of the
reorganization of BASF Plant Science. The company will
concentrate its activities on the attractive key markets in
North and South America. The headquarters and management of
BASF Plant Science will be moved from the agricultural
centre in Limburgerhof, Germany, to Research Triangle Park,
Raleigh, North Carolina.
About BASF Plant Science's potato projects
Modenaand Amadea are varieties which
produce pure amylopectin starch and are currently
undergoing the EU approval process. Fortuna is a potato
variety which can protect itself against the pathogen
Phytophthora infestans. It is also currently
undergoing the EU approval process.
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The
Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals,
plastics, performance products and crop protection products
to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social
responsibility and environmental protection. Through
science and innovation we enable our customers in almost
all industries to meet the current and future needs of
society. Our products and system solutions contribute to
conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition
and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed
up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create
chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales
of around €73.5 billion in 2011 and at the year end
employed a workforce of more than 111,000 people. BASF
shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt
(BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).Further
information on BASF is available on the Internet
atwww.basf.com.
About BASF Plant Science
BASF Plant Science - a BASF group company - is one of
the world's leading companies providing innovative plant
biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, about 840
employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for
improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition
for humans and animals. BASF Plant Science has developed an
unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and
quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice.
Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF
Plant Science is commercializing its products. Current
projects include higher yielding row crops,
nutritionally-enhanced corn for animal feed or higher
content of specific Omega-3's (EPA / DHA) in oil crops for
preventing cardiovascular diseases.Further
information on BASFPlant
Scienceis available on the Internet
atwww.basf. com /plantscience.
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