Dow AgroSciences and Syngenta now have access to each company's corn traits. Under a recent agreement between the two companies, Syngenta will receive global nonexclusive licenses, with stacking rights, to Dow AgroSciences' Herculex branded traits, and Dow will receive global nonexclusive licenses with stacking rights to Syngenta's Agrisure branded traits, including the new Agrisure Viptera trait.

The companies hope that the products developed through this licensing agreement will reduce the EPA-mandated refuge requirements.

Corn hybrids developed will be available initially through Dow and Syngenta seed brands, and company officials indicate that licensing discussions will take place.

“With our current proprietary products, adding the Herculex products gives us another tool to develop products for corn producers,” says Tracy Mader, Syngenta's Agrisure corn traits. “Pending regulatory approval, we expect to have products with these stacked traits available in 2011.”

The cross-licensing agreement comes as Dow and Monsanto prepare to launch SmartStax, the Herculex-YieldGard combination products, in 2010.

Syngenta and Dow also are targeting the expanding seed treatment business. The companies recently announced a research and development agreement to evaluate Dow compounds for incorporation into Syngenta's seed treatment portfolio. Under the agreement, Syngenta will have access to Dow AgroSciences' active ingredients as well as Dow Chemical Company's coatings and polymers technologies. Products that are developed under the collaboration will be marketed under Syngenta Seed Care. The companies expect the new collaboration to launch new products by 2011 or 2012.