Epicrop Technologies

Biotech company EpiCrop Technologies combines epigenetic growth variations with computational science to predict and identify important gene networks for plant performance.

The company combines its EpiMethyl Analytic with its Epigenetic Breeding Technology. The patented EpiMethyl Analytic technology analyzes the molecular effects (methylation) and gene networks involved when an environmental change occurs. Then, applying machine learning, the company predicts the outcome needed for improved crop seeds. The results are then carried on to the Epigenetic technology, from which the best selection becomes the epigenetic rootstock. The seeds are harvested after a unique grafting approach with no DNA transfers involved. EpiCrop Technologies claims the epigenetic effect is heritable to ~4 generations. Since 2014, the company conducted multiple trials with field-proven yield increases and expressed traits comprised of heat and cold resistance and enhanced growth in marginal soil conditions. 

As of 2022, EpiCrop conducted trials for tomato, soybean, sorghum, and canola crops and had not commercialized any of its varieties. From its precision breeding field trials, the crop yield increases over time were demonstrated as follows: sorghum 10%–36%, soybean 5%–14%, inbred canola 15%–20%, hybrid canola 6%–8%, hybrid tomatoes 5%–20%, and self-pollinating tomatoes 20%–40%. The crops also demonstrated resiliency with sorghum being cold tolerant, canola being drought tolerant, and tomato being heat tolerant. 

Key customers and partnerships 

In August 2016, EpiCrop partnered with Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC), moving into the NIC campus and continuing its collaboration with the university while having access to epigenetic progressive facilities to support EpiCrop’s commercialization efforts.