DuPont Leader Says Increasing Food Production a Moral ...(he best crop management information avai...)

Sustainably increasing grower productivity requires a comprehensive approach to plant breeding that includes breeding specifically for local environments; using molecular markers for gene selection; developing plants with more resistance to diseases and insects, and tolerance to herbicides; improving drought tolerance, nutrient use and nutritional content; and making plants better able to withstand environmental stresses such as cold, frost and saline soils, said Niebur.

DuPont has strategically focused on increasing food production, investing more than $500 million annually in research and development in this area with more than 200 germplasm patent applications filed in the first half of 2009. DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors and provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

“It’s never been more energizing to be a plant breeder,” said Niebur. “We are in an unprecedented position to keep pace with growing societal needs thanks to new technologies, an advanced understanding of crop genetics, and talented researchers focused on making a difference for the world..”

The World Seed Conference is designed to raise awareness of the importance of new plant varieties and high-quality seed to find sustainable agriculture solutions to global population growth and evolving diets, climate change, demands for energy and food security. The event is attended by policy makers, government officials, plant breeders, seed specialists, researchers, farmers'
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