Corteva Unveils ‘Breakthrough’ in Drought-Resistant Wheat

Hybrid seeds, created by crossing two genetically different parents, have been used for decades by corn and soy farmers as a way to produce more resilient, higher yielding plants. However, due to the relatively complex genetics of wheat, progress on creating a hybrid has been slow.

Corteva is hoping its new hybrid, non-GMO seeds can be a spark as wheat growers look to get the most out of their crops amid a changing climate and growing demand for the grain.

“Pioneer introduced hybrid corn in the 1920s, and since then our technology has helped achieve more than 600% increase in average yields,” Sam Eathington, Corteva’s chief technology and digital officer, said in a statement. “With our new, one-of-a-kind proprietary technology for wheat, we’re now similarly poised to bring the revolutionary benefits and yield potential of hybridization to yet another core crop.”

Corteva’s innovation comes months after Argentina-based Bioceres gained regulatory approval for a genetically modified, drought-tolerant wheat seed in the United States, though field trials are needed before commercialization. While Bioceres’ approval could clear a pathway for GM seeds within the next few years, food processors are wary of the biotech crops due to consumer preferences.