A subsidiary of Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) has purchased the biological research and development business of Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.

“As global population increases so does food demand, and growers are challenged to produce more crops to meet the need,” said Bill Boycott, KAS vice president of biologicals. “The Mendel team has expertise in understanding how plant processes, such as photosynthesis, stress tolerance and nutrient use efficiency, impact crop yields. By integrating Mendel’s research expertise with our commercialization capabilities, we will offer customers a new line of naturally derived products.”

Mendel’s biological research and development team focuses on biological crop solutions which increase crop yield potential through the use of naturally derived products. The acquisition establishes a new biological platform for KAS, furthering its commitment to develop innovative technologies that satisfy evolving needs of the agricultural industry. The business will operate as Mendel Biological Solutions and will continue to be based in Hayward, Calif.