Dow recently acquired Austrian-based Maize Technologies, and the new acquisition, for an unspecified amount, is expected to complement the breeding programme and germplasm acquired as part of that package.

Europe as one of the biggest corn growing regions in the world; growers in the EU planted around 12m hectares last year. The news of the acquisition is significant since it will allow the company to tap opportunities in corn grain and silage in this market, and expand usage of its Herculex insect resistant technology.

Dow is expecting European registration of Herculex in the near future.

"The technology will further enhance and expand strong silage market presence Dow AgroSciences has achieved in the US with our silage specific product line, as well as position Dow AgroSciences as a key player in European silage applications along with our existing corn product offering," said president and CEO Jerome Peribere.

A subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow AgroSciences reports global sales of US$3.4bn.