Dupont recently unveiled an advanced technology that will transform seed research and considerably speed up the development of higher-yielding corn and soybean varieties. The technology promises to increase the size and scope of the company’s breeding program five-fold in the next three years.
Laser-Assisted Seed Selection uses a 120-watt carbon dioxide laser to score a small slice from a seed to capture its genetic information, while maintaining the seed’s viability for planting. Molecular breeding techniques are used to identify desirable genetic combinations within each individual scored seed slice. Seeds identified to have superior genetics are then selected for planting and advancement through the company’s research program.