Biotech Alliance Targets Drought to Climate-Proof South American Corn

GIVAT CHEN, Israel and RIO CLARO, Brazil – February 23, 2026 – A landmark collaboration between Israeli ag-biotechnology firm PlantArcBio and Brazilian seed giant Helix Sementes e Biotecnologia, part of the Agroceres Group, is set to bring a new generation of high-yield, drought-resilient corn to the fields of South America. The licensing agreement will see cutting-edge genetic traits integrated into elite corn varieties, promising a vital safeguard for farmers in a region increasingly plagued by extreme weather.

Under the terms of the deal, Helix will license proprietary genes discovered by PlantArcBio and incorporate them into its leading corn germplasm. The goal is to fast-track the development and commercialization of new corn hybrids specifically tailored for key markets like Brazil and Argentina, which are critical to the global food supply but face growing threats from climate volatility.

The Science of Survival

At the heart of this collaboration is PlantArcBio's patented DIP™ (Direct-in-Plant) discovery platform. This high-throughput technology enables scientists to rapidly scan millions of genes from organisms that thrive in extreme environments—such as microbes found in the desert soils near the Dead Sea—and identify those that confer beneficial traits like drought tolerance. By testing these genes directly in plants, the platform significantly accelerates the discovery of robust and effective genetic solutions.

The genes licensed by Helix are not unproven theoretical assets. In extensive polyhouse trials conducted in India with partner Rallis India, a Tata enterprise, these specific genes demonstrated remarkable efficacy. Corn plants equipped with the technology showed a statistically significant increase in total seed weight, ranging from 60% to as much as 250% higher than control plants under simulated drought conditions. Critically, the trials also indicated improved yield potential even under normal, well-irrigated conditions, suggesting the technology offers benefits beyond mere survival.

This dual advantage—protecting crops during bad years and boosting yields in good ones—represents a powerful tool for enhancing farm-level economics and regional food security. The technology is now poised for its most significant real-world application, moving from controlled trials into the elite genetic lines of a major market player.

Taming a Volatile Climate

The urgency for such an innovation cannot be overstated in South America. Brazil's second and largest corn harvest, the safrinha, is planted after the soybean harvest and is notoriously vulnerable to the onset of the dry season. In recent years, unpredictable rainfall and intense heatwaves have led to catastrophic yield losses. In 2024, key agricultural states like Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul saw crop conditions deteriorate rapidly due to drought, with some regions experiencing irreversible grain losses. Argentina, another agricultural powerhouse, has faced similar challenges, with the La Niña weather pattern repeatedly linked to severe droughts that slash corn output.

This collaboration directly addresses this pressing challenge. By embedding drought resilience at the genetic level, the new hybrids aim to stabilize production and mitigate the devastating financial impact of extreme weather on farmers. The focus is on creating a more predictable and resilient agricultural system.

"A drought-resilient corn would be a major breakthrough for Brazilian growers, especially considering the climate conditions of our second yearly harvest," said Urbano Ribeiral Jr., CFO of Agroceres Group. "Integrating PlantArcBio's genes into our elite germplasm supports the development of competitive commercial corn hybrids for both grain and silage, with the goal of addressing key agronomic challenges faced by growers."

A Strategic Alliance for a New Agricultural Era

The partnership is a textbook case of strategic synergy, combining Israeli deep-tech innovation with Brazilian agricultural prowess. PlantArcBio brings its validated, cutting-edge gene discovery platform, while Agroceres Group, through Helix, provides decades of regional expertise, an elite germplasm collection, and an established route to market. Agroceres has a storied history in Brazil, having introduced high-yield hybrid corn seeds in 1945 and built a reputation for developing its own genetics to maintain technological independence from global multinationals.

This collaboration allows both companies to achieve what neither could easily do alone. PlantArcBio gains access to a massive market and a partner capable of navigating its complexities, while Helix gains a powerful technological advantage to enhance its competitive product portfolio for grain and animal silage.

"We are pleased to partner with Helix, a strong regional player with deep expertise in corn breeding and commercialization," said Dror Shalitin, CEO of PlantArcBio. "By combining our validated genetic technology with Helix's elite commercial lines, this collaboration has the potential to deliver high-performing, climate-resilient corn hybrids that can make a real difference for growers across key South American countries."

Navigating the Path to Market

While the technology is promising, its journey to farmers' fields will navigate a competitive and regulated landscape. The market for drought-tolerant crops is not without competition, as major agricultural science companies like Corteva have also introduced products in this space. However, the proven efficacy of PlantArcBio's genes and the deep market penetration of Agroceres create a formidable entry.

The regulatory pathway, while rigorous, is well-defined in both Brazil and Argentina. Brazil's National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio) and Argentina's National Advisory Commission for Agricultural Biotechnology (CONABIA) have decades of experience evaluating and approving genetically modified crops. Both nations are among the world's largest producers of GM corn and soy, indicating a mature framework for assessing new technologies. Furthermore, both countries have adopted progressive, product-based regulations for newer techniques like gene editing, which could streamline approvals for future innovations.

While public debate around GM technology persists, the widespread adoption by farmers in the region underscores a strong pragmatism. For growers on the front lines of climate change, a technology that directly addresses their most significant challenge—unpredictable weather—is likely to find a receptive audience, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the region's agricultural future.