Key Takeaways
- Phytoform & Corteva’s Partnership Scope: The initiative combines AI technology with gene editing to study disease resistance in corn.
- Technology Platforms: Phytoform’s CRE.AI.TIVE™ will work within Corteva’s Genlytix™ ecosystem.
- Research Focus: The project centers on optimizing two native genes linked to disease resilience.
- Methodology: AI will assess DNA control region variations to identify promising gene expression profiles.
- Sector Relevance: Corn’s agricultural importance in the U.S. underpins the significance of the study.
Phytoform & Corteva’s Joint Research Project Targets Genetic Traits in Corn
Phytoform and Corteva have announced a research collaboration to examine how artificial intelligence can support the identification and enhancement of native traits linked to disease resistance in corn. The project will combine Phytoform’s AI-assisted crop improvement system, CRE.AI.TIVE™, with Corteva’s existing Genlytix™ platform.
The objective is to evaluate a large number of DNA control region variations and assess their influence on gene activity related to disease tolerance in corn, one of the most widely grown crops in the United States.
Technology Integration for Trait Development
The project focuses on optimizing the expression of two native corn genes. Phytoform’s AI platform is designed to identify control regions that may improve the timing and intensity of gene activation in plant cells. These findings will be integrated into Corteva’s Genlytix™ system, which combines gene editing, data analysis, and strategic partnerships to support trait development.
The collaboration represents an effort to apply digital tools to biological processes to better understand plant responses to disease pressures.
Statements from Phytoform & Corteva
Dr. Will Pelton, Chief Executive Officer of Phytoform, described the collaboration as an opportunity to explore the potential of combining technology and plant biology in a commercial research setting. Tom Greene, Senior Director at Corteva, stated that the partnership aligns with Corteva’s work to develop targeted solutions for growers using multiple scientific tools and platforms.
Research Objectives and Industry Context
The research is intended to contribute to ongoing efforts to develop crop varieties that are more resilient under disease stress. According to Phytoform, the project also aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be applied to shorten the timeline between trait discovery and potential deployment.
Both companies continue to explore how integrated approaches—combining genomics, AI, and gene editing—can support agricultural research and development in major crops like corn.
