Key Takeaways
- ZeaKal announces the development of PhotoSeed™ technology in corn, increasing oil content by 23% without affecting yield or protein.
- PhotoSeed enhances photosynthesis, leading to greater CO2 capture and oil production.
- The technology aims to meet the rising demand for sustainable corn oil and improve the value of U.S. corn for farmers and the industry.
- Expanded partnership with Gro Alliance to accelerate access to PhotoSeed corn hybrids for farmers.
- PhotoSeed technology embodies sustainability, potentially reducing the carbon intensity score of corn.
ZeaKal, a pioneering ag-tech company, today revealed its achievement in agricultural innovation with the successful development of its PhotoSeed™ technology in corn. This revolutionary technology has demonstrated a remarkable increase in the oil composition of corn by an average of 23 percent, all while maintaining the crop’s yield and protein levels. With this breakthrough, ZeaKal is poised to alter the agricultural landscape for corn significantly, enhancing its sustainability and value proposition for growers, industry stakeholders, and consumers alike.
Breakthrough in Corn Oil Production
In rigorous first-year replicated field trials, PhotoSeed has shown its capability to increase the photosynthetic efficiency of corn plants. This leads to an enhanced capture of CO2 and sunlight, translating into increased oil production without compromising the energy plants need for maintaining modern yields. Until now, the agricultural sector has sought ways to boost corn’s oil content without affecting its yield, a challenge that ZeaKal has effectively addressed with PhotoSeed.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Han Chen, co-founder and CEO of ZeaKal, emphasized the critical need for accelerated innovation in sustainable corn oil production. “This trait technology allows us to elevate the overall value of U.S. corn and creates a differentiated, value-added product that addresses industry demand,” Chen stated. He highlighted the challenging global commodity market and the importance of genetics in giving U.S. farmers a competitive edge.
Corn is not only a staple crop in the United States, covering 90 million acres, but also a vital component of global food, feed, and fuel feedstocks. With the FAO projecting a 70% increase in global demand for sustainable food and feed and renewables expected to account for 43% of total energy within a decade, the urgency for plant-based energy solutions like PhotoSeed becomes ever more apparent.
Expanding Farmer Access Through Strategic Partnerships
Following the success of its NewType model in soy, ZeaKal is applying a similar approach to corn with the integration of PhotoSeed technology into Gro Alliance’s germplasm collection and breeding program. Jim Schweigert, president of Gro Alliance, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which aims to enhance value creation across the entire value chain, from farmers to end-users.
The Sustainability Promise of PhotoSeed
The nutrient and energy densification resulting from PhotoSeed technology not only increases oil production but does so in a way that embeds sustainability into the trait. This innovation has the potential to lower the carbon intensity score of corn, making it a more environmentally friendly option for various applications, including renewable diesel and aviation fuel.
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