UK based agricultural biotech company, Phytoform, has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Corteva Agriscience, one of the largest players in global agriculture, to explore the use of artificial intelligence in improving disease resistance in corn. The joint initiative will center around Phytoform’s proprietary CRE.AI.TIVE platform, which applies machine learning to analyze plant DNA and identify subtle changes that could improve the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.
Rather than introducing foreign genetic material, the platform makes small, highly targeted alterations to the plant’s existing genome. This allows the technology to sidestep the classification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a regulatory and market designation that often triggers strict oversight and consumer resistance in many regions. By working within the plant’s native genetic makeup, the partners aim to enhance disease resistance without introducing external DNA.
CRE.AI.TIVE to Explore Millions of DNA Variants
At the core of this partnership lies the CRE.AI.TIVE platform’s ability to scan and evaluate millions of possible variations within DNA control regions parts of the genome that regulate gene activity. The goal is to identify which variations could be used to activate or fine-tune the expression of certain native genes already present in corn. Specifically, the project will focus on two genes that have long been known to play roles in disease resistance but have remained dormant or underutilized in their natural state.
While Phytoform and Corteva have not disclosed the exact diseases being targeted, Phytoform co founder and CEO William Pelton confirmed that the focus is on two of the most damaging diseases affecting corn crops globally. These diseases pose substantial risks to crop yields and farming economics, particularly in areas where corn is cultivated at scale.
“Corteva already had these genes in their germplasm so the disease resistance was basically there but inactive. That’s exactly where we can help. We’re not inserting anything foreign, instead, we are working to activate what’s already present. We’re very confident that we’ll be able to activate these genes and deliver something that’s commercially viable. There’s always risk in that process, but our strength lies in translating discovery work into something that can perform in the field.”
From Discovery to Field Application
For Phytoform, which was established in 2017, this marks its first collaboration with a major agricultural company. Up until now, the company has primarily worked with crops like tomatoes and potatoes. Expanding into corn signifies a step toward broader applicability across various crop species, particularly given corn’s status as one of the most cultivated crops worldwide.
The collaboration is not purely academic in nature. While no commercial product has been promised at this stage, Pelton hinted that the goal is to move beyond laboratory research into real world applications. It’s almost like a step beyond just R&D.
The implication is that any breakthroughs achieved through the partnership could eventually contribute to new corn varieties with improved resistance to disease. This would be a welcome development for farmers who face persistent challenges from plant pathogens, including Gray Leaf Spot, Common Rust and various leaf blights all of which can lead to substantial economic losses.
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Expanding Technological Boundaries in Agriculture
The collaboration also aligns with Corteva’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technological tools into crop development. Phytoform’s CRE.AI.TIVE platform will be used alongside Corteva’s Genlytix system, which combines genetic data, analytical models and other tools for plant breeding. Together, these platforms are expected to create a more informed and precise method for understanding how specific genomic changes can impact disease resilience.
“This collaboration supports our continued commitment to delivering targeted, efficient tools for growers. The partnership fits into the company’s existing efforts to use multiple scientific approaches to develop improved agricultural solutions.
A Broader Push Toward Smarter Crop Development
The collaboration comes at a time when agricultural research is increasingly moving toward multidisciplinary approaches. By integrating genomics, computational biology and field testing, companies are aiming to shorten the time between trait discovery and the availability of improved crop varieties.
In a crop as widely cultivated as corn, even small increases in disease resistance can have far reaching impacts. Phytoform’s focus on achieving those gains without falling into the GMO category could also make the technology more palatable to regulators and consumers in various markets.
As the partnership progresses, the agricultural sector will be watching closely. The outcome of this joint effort may influence how AI and precision genetics are used in future crop improvement initiatives not just for corn, but potentially for many other crops around the world
