Crops

Enhancing corn production sustainability with new PhotoSeed technology

ZeaKal's PhotoSeed technology improves the crop’s oil and sustainability profile without compromising yield or protein. (Image source: ZeaKal)

In an attempt to deliver higher energy corn, agritech company ZeaKal recently developed its new groundbreaking PhotoSeed technology to improve the oil and sustainability profile of the corn crop, without compromising its yield or protein

Upon immediate implementation of this technology, replicated field trials during the first year showed a significant 23% increase in corn oil composition. The technology was found to enhance the plant's photosynthetic capacity, capturing more CO2 and sunlight. This additional carbon capture increases oil production without taking away the energy necessary to maintain modern yields.

Just as in soybeans, nutrient and energy densification in PhotoSeed corn translates to more carbon captured in the seed. With higher oil production that does not require additional inputs or land, PhotoSeed becomes a sustainability embedded trait that has the potential to lower the carbon intensity score of the crop.

In 2022, ZeaKal created a closed loop US system called the NewType model to capture and share premiums from better composition, processing advantages, and improved sustainability metrics with farmers and producers. Starting with its integration into Gro Alliance—the nation's largest, independently owned contract producer of seed corn and soybean seed—ZeaKal follows the model's success into the company's extensive germplasm collection, breeding programme, and fully integrated seed production.

“The future of agriculture must be grounded in innovation that democratises value creation or else agriculture will not be responsive to demands for improved sustainability, nutrition, and energy,” said co-founder and CEO of ZeaKal, Han Chen. “Starting with the grower, our vision is to leverage trait technology and replicate our NewType model to ensure value creation and sharing across the entire supply chain.”

PhotoSeed corn commercialisation is expected in the 2027 growing season.

For more information, visit: zeakal.com

Alltech & Thai Wah collaborate for Asian agri-food sustainability

Dr Mark Lyons and Ho Ren Hua signed an MoU

At left, Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech; at right, Ho Ren Hua, CEO of Thai Wah. (Image source: Alltech)

Alltech and Thai Wah Public Co. (TWPC) have announced a collaboration aimed at advancing carbon reduction efforts in the Asian agri-food industry by leveraging scientific nutritional solutions and technologies

Imagindairy and Ginkgo Bioworks team up for dairy revolution

Imagindairy and Ginkgo Bioworks collaborate to develop and produce animal-free non-whey dairy proteins. (Image source: Ginkgo Bioworks)

Imagindairy, an Israeli-based foodtech company dedicated to revolutionising the dairy industry with sustainable and commercially viable animal-free dairy proteins, has joined forces with Ginkgo Bioworks, a leader in cell programming and biosecurity, in an exciting new partnership

Duyun Maojian: Tradition meets Guizhou innovation

Fresh tea leaves picked in Duyun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Image source: Information Office of Autonomous Prefecture of Qiannan)

Discover the cultural legacy and economic vitality of Duyun Maojian tea in Guizhou, China – a symbol of tradition and modern agricultural innovation

Boosting corn yields with Pivot Bio Microbial Nitrogen

The study highlights the potential of microbial nitrogen fertiliser to boost crop yields, while at the same time reducing dependency on synthetic fertilisers. (Image source: Pivot Bio)

A recent study conducted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment found that using Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 as a replacement for 40 pounds of synthetic nitrogen, significantly increase corn yields, while also reducing reliance on synthetic fertiliser

Fields with cover crop rotations often experience nitrogen deficits. Applying microbial nitrogen in furrows can help bridge this nitrogen gap, thus resulting in higher yields. The nitrogen in this case, is delivered directly to the roots, avoiding competition with cover crop residue.

For the study, corn was planted at a rate of 32,000 seeds per acre under no-till and cover crop conditions with PROVEN 40 applied in furrow, along with additional nitrogen treatments of 140 and 180 pounds per acre. Corn yields were found to be similar across both nitrogen fertiliser rates. However, PROVEN 40 applied in furrow increased corn yields across both nitrogen rates.

Kentucky farmer, Richard Preston who collaborated with the university on the study, stated that PROVEN 40 had stood out as a game-changer on his farm this year, despite the minimal rainfall received during critical stages of growing. “Like all farmers, I care about protecting and preserving our natural resources for generations to come. In addition to no-till and cover crop practices, PROVEN 40 has helped me lower my environmental impact and increase yield — two key factors for meeting my sustainability goals,” Preston said.

For more information, visit: PivotBio.com

Sidebar