Mycogen Plant Sciences

Mycogen was a pioneering agricultural biotechnology company that specialized in the development of genetically modified crops and biopesticides. The company is best known for its innovative use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) technology to engineer plants with internal resistance to insect pests, significantly reducing the need for external chemical sprays. Founded in 1982, Mycogen was one of the first firms to successfully commercialize transgenic traits in major crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. In addition to its trait research, the company operated a robust seed business, providing high-quality hybrids to farmers globally. Following a series of strategic investments, Mycogen was fully acquired by Dow AgroSciences in 1998 and its technologies are now part of Corteva Agriscience.