SAN DIEGO, Calif. — ZeaKal, a plant traits innovator focused on improving crop efficiency and sustainability, has announced groundbreaking research results from multiyear field trials of its PhotoSeed technology – setting a new standard for soybean composition and productivity. 

“Grown on more than 120 million hectares worldwide, soybeans are an essential part of the food ingredient, vegetable oil and animal feed markets. However, the crop has faced mounting export challenges, continued declines in protein level and decreased nutrition. Innovation is critical in meeting the demands of farmers and consumers for increased value in the form of expanded functionality, better nutrition and sustainability, while continuing to deliver productivity,” said Paul Schickler, ZeaKal Board Advisor and former President of DuPont Pioneer. “ZeaKal’s ability to dramatically improve both oil and protein composition in soybeans will help address these demands in a key crop, while securing soybeans as a major component of the regenerative agricultural system.”

PhotoSeed increases a plant’s photosynthetic capacity, thereby capturing more CO2 and sunlight. In the case of soybeans, ZeaKal has been able to harness this additional energy into producing more oil and protein. Across second-year replicated field trials, PhotoSeed soybeans increased the per acre production of oil and protein by 18 percent and three percent respectively without any penalty to seed yield. 

“Companies like ZeaKal can help farmers compete on the global export market. Farmers have always dealt with financial, environmental and trade challenges. Now, more than ever, we are also looking for technology solutions that can elevate our crops beyond low commodity pricing with value propositions that processors, food companies and consumers alike demand and are willing to pay for,” said Ben Riensche, whose family farm in Jesup, Iowa produces corn and soybeans on 14,000 acres. The Riensche farm regularly conducts research to advance crop nutrition and conservation practices. “I am particularly interested in the potential for increased carbon sequestration from products like PhotoSeed, as operations like ours continue to seek alternative revenue sources not tied strictly to yield.”

The majority of the increased oil content by PhotoSeed was driven by increases in oleic acids. Due to FDA approval of qualified health claims for oleic acids around heart health, improving soybean oil profile has been a core industry focus in recent years. ZeaKal’s continued R&D efforts will also focus on further improving the productivity and composition of other staple crops.  

ZeaKal will expand field trials across additional sites in 2020, while also bringing new genetics innovations through the pipeline. Delivering additional benefits in carbon fixation and nitrogen metabolism, PhotoSeed may further augment agriculture’s role in meeting global sustainability goals in the years to come.

“With improved photosynthesis, our PhotoSeed plants are capturing more carbon dioxide from the air and converting it into more biomass and yield. This could potentially increase soil carbon from the residual biomass. These benefits are only the tip of the iceberg as we strive to make agriculture more sustainable,” noted Dr. Greg Bryan, cofounder and chief technology officer, ZeaKal. “PhotoSeed plants also have changes in how they use nutrients, and the changes in nitrogen metabolism may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water quality.”