DuPont Contributes to University of Guadalajara Crop Diversity Project

DuPont Contributes to University of Guadalajara Crop Diversity Project

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 24, 2005 - DuPont today announced a $25,000 contribution through its subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., to the University of Guadalajara for a research project aimed at preserving crop genetic diversity. The project will include the collection and storage of endangered maize varieties referred to as landraces.

According to Dr. José de Jesús Sánchez González and Dr. Jose Ron Parra, co-leaders of the research project, landraces provide the raw material needed for future crop adaptations to changing pest, pathogen, and environmental factors. "If all seed products were developed from a limited germplasm base, genetic diversity would be severely narrowed, increasing the risk of pest or disease epidemics," explained Dr. Sánchez.

This collection of rare and endangered landraces will be available to public and private plant breeders and farmers at the University of Guadalajara and at the National Institute of Forestry,

Agricultural, and Animal Research in Chapingo, Mexico.
"These rare and endangered landraces are not only a part of Mexico's rich biodiversity; they are also a part of its history and culture. Many of the species play an important role in cultural rituals, and publicly preserving these plants will help safeguard ancient traditions," said Pioneer research scientist, Baltazar Baltazar Montes.

The richness and range of landrace diversity is under threat due to the changing nature of agricultural production and related socioeconomic factors. Many landraces were collected from 1945 to 1970, but from 1970 to 1990 collection activities were significantly reduced, partly due to a lack of financial resources.

"The public preservation of genetic resources is absolutely critical to promote sustainable agriculture practices and keep pace with the world's growing population. If genetic resources are neglected, they will be lost forever," said Baltazar.

DuPont and Biodiversity
DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., has dedicated more than 75 years to preserving and utilizing plant diversity to produce high-performing plant genetics to bring greater value to farmer customers.

In addition to its latest contribution to the University of Guadalajara, DuPont has also contributed $1 million to the Global Crop Diversity Trust (Trust), an international organization charged with securing long-term funding for the support of genebanks — storage facilities for native plant species — and crop diversity collections around the world.

Like the University of Guadalajara, the crop collections supported by the Trust are available to public and private plant breeders and farmers under the terms of an International Treaty on Plant Genetic resources, adopted in 2001. A key objective is to encourage crop research and development and assure an abundant and affordable food supply in the future. Crop collections are also crucial to areas ravaged by war, disease or weather calamities to help restore native plant populations.

Pioneer began operations in Mexico in 1983. In Mexico, Pioneer researches, produces and sells corn and sorghum hybrid seeds, as well as some varieties of alfalfa.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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01/24/05

Contacts:

Cynthia Rios
(52 55) 57 22 12 26

Dr. José de Jesús Sánchez González
(52 33) 37771154