Los Baños, Philippines, and Cleveland, Ohio, USA
April 15, 2020

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and AgriPlex Genomics have entered a partnership to combine AgriPlex’s NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) genotyping technology with IRRI’s advanced breeding of rice and DNA marker development.

Over the past few years, the two organizations have successfully created a comprehensive SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) panel and a workflow for evaluating diverse indica rice
varieties. This collaboration combines IRRI’s expertise in developing high-quality markers for use in rice breeding and quality control with AgriPlex’s innovative PlexSeq™ NGS platform.
PlexSeq offers high multiplexing and streamlined analysis. This combination of ultra-high throughput, scalability, and speed greatly reduces genotyping costs and simplifies rice genetic
testing processes. 

Through this new partnership, IRRI will provide a non-exclusive license for IRRI-developed SNP panels and DNA markers to AgriPlex, who will market a series of rice genetic testing panels to public and private researchers and breeders all over the world. Through this new technology support, rice breeders will benefit from shortened breeding cycles and improved quality control.

As part of the agreement, AgriPlex will become a member of the IRRI-led Hybrid Rice Development Consortium.

“We are excited to partner with IRRI to utilize our PlexSeq technology to facilitate rice breeding and to contribute to the evolution of a staple crop that affects the health and quality of life for many farmers and consumers all over the world,” said Scott Weigel, V.P. of Sales and Marketing at AgriPlex Genomics.

“IRRI expects this agreement will accelerate breeding-relevant technology transfer to public and private rice breeding programs, and contribute to bringing to farmers improved rice
varieties that offer higher yields, greater resilience, and better nutrition,” said Remy Bitoun, Head of IRRI Tech Transfer.

About IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute headquartered in the
Philippines, and has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa. 

About AgriPlex Genomics
AgriPlex Genomics specializes in focused, simultaneous NGS analysis of a flexible number of SNP across thousands of samples. The multiplexed Next-Gen PlexSeq™ platform greatly
improves throughput and efficiency while significantly reducing costs. AgriPlex Genomics has formed partnerships with many plant and animal breeders, researchers, and producers to
identify and confirm desirable traits, leading to healthier and more productive crops and livestock.

Website: http://agriplexgenomics.com/

Published: April 15, 2020