By Jamie Martin
A major scientific innovation from Syngenta could help farmers produce higher yields while working toward more sustainable farming practices. The company recently announced EXORT technology, a new biological platform that works with plants' natural systems to improve crop performance.
Modern agriculture faces several challenges, including increasing food demand, limited farmland, and pressure to reduce environmental impacts. Farmers need solutions that help maximize production while using resources efficiently. EXORT technology was developed to address these concerns by helping plants make better use of their own biological mechanisms.
At the center of the innovation are microRNAs, small natural molecules found in plants. These molecules act as biological messengers that help control important plant functions. By carefully selecting and applying beneficial microRNAs, EXORT technology supports the plant's natural ability to regulate growth and development.
The technology is applied as a foliar treatment, requiring only very small amounts of plant leaves. Once applied, it helps influence natural plant processes that support productivity and resource use. Importantly, farmers can use the technology without changing their regular field practices, making adoption easier.
Extensive field testing has demonstrated the technology's potential. Syngenta reports consistent performance across a variety of crops, including corn, soybean, rice, cotton, vegetables, and fruits. Trials conducted over multiple years and different geographic regions showed measurable improvements in crop yields.
In addition to larger harvests, the technology may also contribute to improved crop quality. Stronger and healthier crops can provide benefits throughout the agricultural value chain, from producers to processors and consumers.
"What makes EXORT technology so exciting is that it translates a fundamental biological mechanism into a practical agricultural solution. Advances in genomics, bioinformatics and plant science now allow us to identify and apply beneficial natural microRNAs with unprecedented precision. This is a remarkable example of how breakthrough science can be harnessed to help crops perform at their best, while supporting more sustainable agriculture," said Camilla Corsi, Syngenta's Head of Crop Protection Research & Development.
The development of EXORT technology reflects advances in several scientific disciplines. Improvements in genomics, plant science, and bioinformatics have made it possible to identify naturally occurring microRNAs that can support positive plant responses. Scientists can now apply these biological signals with greater accuracy than ever before.
Syngenta researchers believe the technology demonstrates how natural biological processes can be used to address modern agricultural challenges. Rather than introducing foreign materials or requiring major production changes, the platform builds functions that already exist within plants.
Research involving microRNAs has attracted significant scientific attention in recent years. Their role in regulating biological activity continues to expand understanding of how plants grow and adapt. The field was further highlighted when discoveries related to microRNAs received recognition through the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Looking ahead, Syngenta plans to launch the first EXORT-based products in 2027. The company expects to expand its availability progressively across approximately 20 countries and a wide range of crops. This rollout is intended to bring the benefits of the technology to growers in different agricultural markets.
Syngenta views EXORT as more than a single product. The company sees it as a platform that could support the next generation of biological crop solutions. As agriculture continues to evolve, innovations that work with natural plant biology may become increasingly important for improving food production while supporting environmental goals.
By helping crops use their own natural signals more effectively, EXORT technology has the potential to deliver stronger yields, improved crop quality, and practical sustainability benefits. The innovation highlights the growing role of biological science in shaping the future of agriculture and meeting the challenges facing farmers worldwide.
Photo Caption: Untreated corn crops versus crops treated with Syngenta’s microRNA technology.
Photo Credit: Syngenta
Categories: National