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ON DEMAND VIDEO VIRTUAL NETWORKING CONFERENCE 8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS: USA 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS CONGRESS MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS March 3-4 2021 Meeting Commences at 09:00 (EST / UCT-5)

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www.global-engage.com WARM WELCOME

Global Engage is pleased to welcome you to the 8th Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress USA, the 5th Partnerships in Biocontrol & Biostimulants Congress and the 1st Microbiome for Agriculture Congress.

With a mixture of individual presentations, roundtable sessions and expert-led panel discussions, we hope that this meeting will be both informative and enjoyable for those seeking to learn more about the latest developments in plant genomics, gene editing and agricultural biologicals research and product development. Alongside this diverse two day program are the various networking and knowledge sharing opportunities that we have made available, fully utilizing our virtual platform providers features.

• Virtual Booths. View the latest technologies and services available and have one to one or group video conversations in order to discuss your work, challenges and requirements • Speed Networking. During the networking sessions, the AI-enabled technology will connect you with other attendees. Like a live event, you will meet new people and establish new relationships • Live Q&A. Have your questions ready to put to the speakers at the end of their talks. • Roundtables. Smaller groups can get together in dedicated breakout areas for these interactive sessions. • Poster Presentations. View the scientific posters and interact with the authors • Chat Rooms & Private messaging. Public and Private rooms will help you start those all-important side- conversations that are the hallmark of any good meeting. You can also create your own chat room to have conversations with up to 20 people. • Delegate Profile. Make yourself visible to other attendees, speakers and sponsors so that you can video/ text chat with them. • Connect. Use the connect button to build connections that will last long after the meeting.

Delegates are encouraged to move between the different conference rooms, as there are many overarching themes running throughout, and ask questions at the end of each talk. We hope that over the next two days you learn something new, meet new contacts and further your plans for future research, whatever they may be. If you have any questions or need any information, please feel free to approach sponsors, speakers, other delegates and of course, the conference organisers, who will be happy to help using the chat functions available.

Kind regards,

Steve Hambrook Mike Burden Conference Director Director, Conference Production

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 EVENT SPONSORS

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APTEAN GENOMEQUEST PLANT DITECH CORTEVA Aptean GenomeQuest is the industry Plant-DiTech’s fully automated, sensor- Corteva Agriscience provides farmers standard in intellectual property (IP) based, phenotyping platform enables around the world with a balanced mix of sequence search. Leveraging the world’s scientists, breeders and biologics developers seed, crop protection and digital solutions largest IP sequence database and to quickly and easily perform simultaneous focused on maximizing productivity to state-of-the-art sequence comparison performance analysis of whole-plant enhance productivity and profitability. algorithms, GenomeQuest combines the responses to various environmental With an industry-leading product and most comprehensive view of the patent conditions with functional-physiological trait technology pipeline, the company is landscape with the most powerful search, measurements and test plant responses to committed to working with stakeholders analysis, and reporting tools available. stress, biostimulants, biocontrols, nutrients throughout the food system as it fulfills its www.aptean.com/solutions/compliance- and other Ag products. High-resolution, promise to enrich the lives of those who solutions/aptean-genomequest/ trustable results and cloud-based real time produce and those who consume, ensuring statistical data analysis allow for instant data progress for generations to come. access, deep insights into plant functions www.corteva.com and up to 80% time and cost savings in product development. www.plant-ditech.com

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DOVETAIL GENOMICS COMPUTOMICS NRGENE Dovetail Genomics is the leader in the field Computomics was founded so customers NRGene develops and commercializes of chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C). can reap the benefits of our machine cutting-edge AI based genomic tools that Our novel solutions for chromatin topology learning algorithms. By applying AI to are reshaping agriculture and livestock analysis, small and large structural variant genetics, phenotype, microbiome, and worldwide. Our cloud-based software detection, de novo chromosome assembly, environmental datasets, we unlock the solutions are designed to analyze big haplotype phasing and mapping of diversity of biological life. With over 135 data generated by next generation protein-directed chromatin architecture projects completed worldwide, we provide sequencing technologies in an affordable, are enabling new science in the fields of bioinformatics services for the analysis of scalable and precise manner. By applying epigenetics, developmental biology, cancer large-scale datasets, from experimental our vast proprietary databases and AI- research and evolutionary biology. design to turn-key interpretations based technologies, we provide leading www.dovetailgenomics.com allowing our clients to make data-driven international agriculture, seed and food decisions. Our results, visualizations, and companies, with computational tools to interpretations are used by researchers, by optimize and accelerate their breeding bioinformaticians and by quality managers. programs, significantly increasing crop www.computomics.com yield and saving time and money. Among our customers are companies from different verticals, such as agriculture, food, beverages, oil, paper, rubber, cannabis, and others. www.nrgene.com

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 EVENT SPONSORS

Virtual Exhibitors

OMEGA BIO-TEK HUDSON RIVER NOVOGENE We offer DNA and RNA extraction HRB is a biotech company offering end- Novogene is a leading provider of genomic chemistry for a wide range of sample to-end genome editing solutions for crops. services and solutions with cutting edge types. Our products are used worldwide We use our proprietary molecular breeding NGS and bioinformatics expertise. It is from small labs to large CROs. Our high workflow called TiGER, an acronym for now the largest sequencing capacities level experience with automation platforms Target identification, Guide selection, Entry in the world. Novogene utilizes scientific allows us to provide high throughput into the cell and Regeneration. TiGER excellence and unsurpassed data quality demands while still providing quality provides innovative solutions to the typical to help our clients realize their research results. Quick PCR, or whole-genome barriers encountered in CRISPR breeding goals. With around 2,000 employees, sequencing; a few samples a day, or projects. For genome editing, our CRISPR multiple locations around the world, and thousands a day, we can provide a solution. enzyme of choice is MAD7, due to the low over 250 publications in top tier journal, the www.omegabiotek.com licencing costs. HRB releases the potential company has recently become the world- of CRISPR to create the crops of tomorrow leader in NGS services. www.hudsonriverbiotechnology.com en.novogene.com

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EUROFINS BIODIAGNOSTICS BURLEIGH DODDS www.eurofinsus.com/biodiagnostics

Learn more about our Sequence Variation Discovery Module The GenomeQuest Sequence Variation Discovery Module extends GenomeQuest’s industry-leading IP sequence search and analysis toolsuite with powerful sequence variation search and reporting features.

The module makes variation search both more precise and more efficient by enabling searchers to rapidly screen a large set of results, find specific variants with pinpoint precision, and efficiently prepare a high-level overview of their entire result set.

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8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

8:50-9:00 Global Engage Welcome Address

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS CONGRESS KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: PETER ECKES JEFFREY BENNETZEN MAGALIE GUILHABERT President, Bioscience Research, BASF Giles Professor of Genetics, VP, Head of Microbial Research Gene technology's sharpest tools: University of Georgia Technologies, Bayer Promise and Practice of Gene Editing in Root surface microbiomes and biofilms Next Generation Biological tools for Plant Bioscience in grasses Agriculture Over the coming decades, our agricultural-food system will • The root surface is coated in rich microbial communities Agricultural biologicals (or biologics) are beneficial crop undergo an accelerated transformation to provide access that temper root: soil interactions production and protection tools that are largely created from to enough healthy and affordable food for the growing • Root surface microbiomes are highly differentiated from living organisms, derived from natural materials, contain them, 9:00-9:35 9:00-9:35 population and, at the same time, to mitigate its impact. To rhizosphere or endophyte communities 9:00-9:35 or use naturally-occurring processes. They can be applied to achieve these challenging goals, we will leverage and further • Cultured root surface microbes can be used to the surface of seeds and other plant surfaces to complement develop the arsenal of available tools to accelerate crop reconstitute developing rhizoplane communities or provide an alternative to chemical agricultural products. innovation. BASF has a long track-record in gene editing, Ag biologicals are an important part of Bayer commitment to and CRISPR-based technologies promise to be among encourage diversity in modern agricultural practices by providing the sharpest tools to increase plant breeding efficiency. a broad range of solutions to support farmers. Our collection CRISPR will generate the highest impact where a science- of more than 125,000 microbial strains allows us to use genetic based regulatory environment, continuous technology diversity to develop new and beneficial products for farmers and development, and commercial relevance come together. our experts spend years studying which microbial strains will Partnerships with academia and technology developers most help plants thrive, and in which specific conditions. The use are essential in translating gene editing technologies into of microbial products can shape the outcome of a harvest just as improved crops with higher yields and more resilience. easily as a farmer’s choice of seed or fertilizer.

DOANE CHILCOAT AMY GRUNDEN KEITH MATTHEWS Director, Corteva Agriscience William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Attorney at Law, Wiley Rein LLP Crop genome editing at Corteva Professor, North Carolina State University 2020 Regulatory Update – Biopesticides Recent breakthroughs in reference genomics, Harnessing Plant-Microbe Interactions and Biostimulants and ongoing developments of CRISPR-Cas, and Bio-electrochemical Technologies for The U.S. regulatory scheme applicable to a programmable site-directed nuclease (SDN), enable a wide Sustainable Agriculture biopesticides and biostimulants continues to evolve. This range of genome editing applications. However, full realization • Information from wheat-microbiome studies that are presentation will provide an overview of current and late- in plant breeding programs is hindered by the efficiency of the being performed collaboratively in the US and Denmark breaking U.S. regulatory actions applicable to biopesticides current transformation methods, target site selection limited by will be presented and biostimulants by the U.S. Environmental Protection PAM variability, and by the overall low efficiency of homology • Omics data from wheat synthetic microbiome community Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture dependent repair (HDR). Various methods of plant transformation

9:35-10:05 9:35-10:05 studies will be presented 9:35-10:05 (USDA). Mr. Matthews will also discuss potential relevant have been successfully applied to generate desired gene knock- • Information about the effects of plasma activated water legislative action in the U.S. Congress. How biostimulants outs (SDN1) in multiple crops. Nevertheless, many proposed treatment (irrigation water treated with low energy and biopesticides are regulated will have critical impacts modifications for crop improvement require precise nucleotide plasma to produce nitrogen fertilizer and reactive oxygen on the producers and users of these products. This replacement (SDN2) or gene insertion into a pre-defined species) on plant-microbiome community structure will genomic location (SDN3). Recent improvements in donor DNA presentation will provide critical insights on the U.S. design combined with advances in plant transformation and be presented regulatory constructs likely to impact biostimulants and identification of new Cas nucleases with different PAMs, have biopesticides going forward. allowed us to improve the efficiency of HDR-based genome editing and the quality of events generated. Questions remain regarding the possibility of unintended off-target edits in vivo. We have demonstrated high frequency (~90%) on-target editing with no observable evidence of off-target cleavage activity when guide RNAs are bioinformatically predicted to be specific. These developments open new opportunities for precision breeding in a wide variety of crop species.

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

STEPHEN ALLEN OLIVER DEUSCH Solutions Consultant, Scientific Product Manager, GenomeQuest Computomics GmbH GenomeQuest & Gene Editing | Searching Successful metagenomics data the IP management and analysis with Patentability & FTO searches for Gene Editing related MORPHEUS and MEGAN6 UE Intellectual Property (IP) can be particularly challenging. Metagenomics has become an active field of research in many Uncovering specific sequence variations from these different industries and therefore data storage, processing and Gene Editing patents, variations that provide herbicide 10:05-10:20 analysis remain challenging. Successful data management and resistance for example, can also be difficult. Discovering analysis are key to harness the full power of metagenomics the overlapping IP from these datasets offers a final 10:05-10:35 and to gain useful insights. At Computomics, we developed a 10:05-10:35 challenge. The “needle in the haystack” can be missed set of easy-to-use metagenomics data analysis solutions. Our or overlooked because of the large volume of data these scalable platform starts with completely automated analysis of No Track Talk searches can return. Missing key patents can result in raw sequence data and delivers results interactively. There is wasted research dollars and risk infringement. We will no need for local computing infrastructure, enabling users to show a multipronged approach using GenomeQuest, focus on data analysis and data interpretation instead of data using target coding sequence to capture gene editing handling and processing. I will introduce our analysis platform, nucleotide sequences, and wildtype proteins to uncover MORPHEUS, our interactive analysis software MEGAN6 site/residue specific variations. Finally, we will discuss Ultimate Edition and our custom analysis services, and explain methods to combine these searches into a report that how they can be combined into one end-to-end solution. identifies the key overlapping data. 10:20-10:35

No Track Talk

10:35-11:05 SPEED NETWORKING SESSION Please join us in the ‘networking area’ for this interactive session. Networking and collaboration is vital in the industry, therefore we have designed this session for you to meet other attendees for a series of 3 minute speed networking video calls. If there is mutual interest – exchange virtual business cards, and arrange a more formal meeting after the session.

11:05-11:35 Morning Break

PLANT GENOME ENGINEERING: STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS PLANT MICROBIOME PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL, BIOSTIMULANTS & MICROBIOME YIPING QI ERIC WARD JAMES WHITE Associate Professor, University of Maryland, Co-CEO, AgBiome, Inc. Professor, Rutgers University College Park New crop protection biologicals and traits How Endophytic Biostimulant Microbes Expanding the Scope and Capability of from the microbial world Provide Nutrients to Crop Plants Through CRISPR-Cas12a Genome Engineering in Plants • The Earth's microbes are a vast, untapped the Rhizophagy Cycle and Increased CRISPR-Cas12a is a promising genome editing system for source of diverse biological activity. Solubilization of Nutrients in Soils targeting AT-rich genomic regions. To expand the targeting

11:35-12:05 11:35-12:05 • Society badly needs new ways of protecting crops. 11:35-12:05 • Natural seed microbiomes scope of Cas12a, we identified six new Cas12a orthologs that • AgBiome partners with the microbial world to bring new • How microbiomes work in plants (plant development and possess high editing activity in rice. Mb2Cas12a stands out ways of protecting crops to market. stress tolerance) with high editing efficiency and tolerance to low temperature. • Increasing nutrient delivery to crop plants using microbes An engineered Mb2Cas12a variant enables editing with more (separating ‘oxidative nutrient extraction from microbes’ relaxed PAM requirements in rice, yielding two times higher genome coverage than the wild type SpCas9. To enable large- from ‘increased solubilization of soil nutrients by microbes’) scale genome engineering, we developed a potent system • The use of biostimulant endophytes in crop plants that exhibited nearly 100% biallelic editing efficiency with • Enhancing ‘nutrient mining’ by soil microbes using the ability to target as many as 16 sites in rice. This study has plant biostimulants greatly expanded the targeting scope and capability of Cas12a for crop genome engineering.

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

OFIR MEIR VICTORIA KNIGHT-CONNONI LARAMY ENDERS Chief Technology Officer, Tropic Biosciences Senior Director, Microbial Sourcing and Assistant Professor, Purdue University Harnessing gene editing to develop high Evaluation, Indigo Agriculture, MA Host plant guided engineering of performing varieties of tropical crops Harnessing the plant microbiome to help beneficial soil microbiomes that protect Tropic Biosciences LTD is a UK company farmers sustainably feed our planet against insect pests that utilizes CRISPR gene editing to develop high- Plants rely on an array of natural, beneficial microbes to Microbial communities are essential for plant health and performing commercial varieties of tropical crops. Initially, support their health and productivity. The community protection. However, scientists have struggled to harness we have focussed our efforts on banana and coffee. In of microbes living in and around a plant, helps the plant the benefits of soil microbiomes for improving agricultural absorb nutrients in the soil and bolsters its resilience sustainability. Recently, it has been suggested the natural 12:05-12:35 12:05-12:35 my talk, I will discuss the key traits that we are focussed 12:05-12:35 on that include resistance in banana against Panama to environmental stresses. In many cases, this effect is mechanisms plants employ to manage relationships with disease, a devastating fungal pathogen that threatens mediated by the secondary metabolites produced by microbes (i.e. fight pathogens, promote mutualisms) can be banana production worldwide. I will also present GEiGS™, microbes. Microbes have evolved in conjunction with used to selectively engineer whole microbial communities which is Tropic Biosciences novel platform that uses gene plants over millions of years, in many cases to optimize with beneficial or protective properties that enhance editing to enable non-transgenic RNAi-based applications their combined health and survival. We have developed a key plant traits (e.g. growth, yield, stress tolerance). This for development of novel traits in crop and animal broad and sophisticated pipeline to discover microbes that approach, known as host-guided selection, has been species. I will discuss our use of the GEiGS™ platform for enhance plant performance under laboratory conditions, attempted in model species but has yet to be developed for the development of both disease resistance- and crop field trials, and farmer fields. I will describe the pipeline we crop plants. In this talk I present work developing a system improvement- traits in banana and coffee. have used to discover microbial products to help the plant to selectively engineer tomato rhizosphere microbiomes combat the stresses it encounters in the field. that increase resistance to insect pests. I will discuss recent findings and what is needed to develop guidelines for successful host-guided selection in crops.

KATRIN JAKOB USA Business Development for Plant-DiTech, California Business Associates Accelerating plant-environment diagnostics with functional phenotyping Plant-DiTech’s fully automated, sensors-based phenotyping platform, PlantArray, enables plant scientists, breeders and ag biologics product developers to quickly and easily perform constant and simultaneous analysis 12:35-12:50 12:35-12:50 12:35-12:50 of whole-plant responses to various environmental conditions based on functional-physiological trait No Track Talk No Track Talk measurements with proven high correlation to field yield results. A wide range of experimental design options to test abiotic and biotic stresses, nutrients, microbial and biologicals products and more in one single setup and cloud-based real-time quantitative data access and statistical data analysis allow for clear-cut decisions and unmatched time savings in product development, breeding and research pipelines. Each plant is controlled separately by its own control unit allowing personalized and precise supply of water and test products and a truly randomized experimental design.

12:50-1:35 Break

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

PANEL DISCUSSION: SHENG YANG HE STEPHEN DUKE Genome Editing Regulation Investigator/Professor, HHMI/Duke University Adjunct Research Professor, KEITH MATTHEWS How do plants control phyllosphere University of Mississippi Attorney at Law, Wiley Rein LLP microbiota for health? New herbicide mechanisms of action from ■ Plants possess a genetic network that microbial sources controls the level and composition of The rapid evolution of resistance to herbicides with almost all NEIL HOFFMAN phyllosphere microbiota mechanisms of action by weeds has increased the need for • Mutations in this genetic network cause a form of Science Advisor, USDA-APHIS-BRS herbicides with new mechanisms of action. Phytotoxins from 1:35-2:05 dysbiosis that impacts plant survival and health 1:35-2:05 microbes often have mechanisms of action that have not been • Modulation of this plant network may lead to innovative utilized in commercial herbicides, providing opportunities solutions in microbiome-mediated plant health and for development of herbicides with new molecular targets. ANNE OVERSTREET productivity Several examples of these modes of action will be discussed, Deputy Director, Biopesticides and Pollution including inhibition of CF1 ATPase, peptide deformylase, Prevention Division, U.S. Environmental histone deacetylase, spliceosome function, adenylosuccinate Protection Agency synthase, dihydroxy acid dehydratase, and 3-dehydroquinate synthase. In some cases, microbial bioherbicides owe much of their herbicide efficacy to phytotoxins with novel target sites that they produce. In other cases, the phytotoxins themselves can be used directly as herbicides or can serve as templates for synthetic herbicides with superior traits.

1:35-2:35 JOHAN LEVEAU JON ENTINE Professor, University of California, Davis Founder, Genetic Literacy Project Studying microbial interactions in the How the ‘environmental protest industry’ phytobiome at microbial scales is disrupting innovation in pest control Many of the current methods for studying and what can be done to respond to the microbial interactions in the phytobiome look for co- communications challenge occurrence of microorganisms (representing different Dengue fever is endemic in South America, with cases species and/or functions) from which interactions between peaking in March when the transmitting Aedes aegypti those microorganisms are then inferred. However, a foliar mosquito proliferates. More than 10,000 have been pathogen and a biocontrol agent may co-occupy the same identified in 2021. Dengue infects 400 million people

2:05-2:35 leaf yet never directly interact with each other due to 2:05-2:35 globally, causing deadly fever, and muscle, bone and limitations in connectivity imposed by the leaf landscape joint pain. There is no effective treatment. The only ready at the microscopic scale. Our lab used topomimetic leaf solution is biotechnological. Using transgenic and CRISPR surfaces to show that proximity is a poor predictor of gene editing scientists can prevent the spread of dengue, microbial interactions in the phyllosphere. Such interactions Zika, malaria and other mosquito-carrying diseases, and are better understood in terms of microscopic leaf wetness illnesses carried by rodents by engineering insects or as a function of surface topography (e.g. leaf venation). animals to replace carriers and ultimately self-destruct. Understanding microbial interactions at a scale that matters But this revolutionary technology is mostly blocked by most to microbes may inform and improve the outcomes of regulatory ineptitude and aggressive opposition from microbiota-directed management of plant health. environmental groups claiming gene drives should be banned out of precautionary fears of unintended consequences. How should scientists and journalists respond to these campaigns so cutting-edge gene drive technology can have a chance to prove itself?

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

GUY KOL NRGene’s VP Strategic Accounts & Co-Founder From diversity analysis to GE combined breeding Combining traditional breeding together with genome editing techniques can dramatically improve the speed and accuracy

2:35-2:50 of the breeding process. To optimize the process one needs to understand the exact genomic makeup of the breeding germplasm involved and be able to decide which genomic changes to use editing and which should be left for breeding. NRGene has long been involved in helping breeding entities analyze the genomic information of their breeding germplasm and optimize their breeding decisions. NRGene is now expanding its main analytic platform, “GenoMAGIC”, to enable pangenome based predictions of genomic editing outcomes. The talk will describe the technological approach and the go-to

market strategy that NRGene has decided to follow. 2:35-3:05 2:35-3:05

YASMIN PANCHBHAYA No Track Talk No Track Talk European Product Technical and Customer Service Support Associate, Omega Biotek Omega Bio-tek Plant DNA Purification Kits Omega Bio-tek offers multiple plant DNA kits that work with a wide range of plant species. We design our plant DNA kits to minimize the co-purification of 2:50-3:05 polysaccharides and polyphenols with optimal lysis and binding buffers. Our plant DNA isolation kits offer higher yields, high molecular weight DNA, and efficient removal of PCR inhibitors with rapid, high performance, and cost-effective plant DNA extractions. Omega Bio-tek is committed to supporting researchers meet the demand for the rapidly expanding DNA-based technologies that are used in a variety of applications such as promoting the efficiency of crop-breeding programs, protecting germplasm resources, improving quality of agricultural products and protecting the environment.

3:05-3:35 Afternoon Break JAMES DURBIN Bioinformatics Scientist, Dovetail Genomics, LLC 3:35-4:05 Chromosome scale haplotype-resolved 3:35-4:05 3:35-4:05 assembly of genomes with HiFi and No Track Talk No Track Talk Dovetail Omni-C™ technologies This talk will discuss initial experiments that use a combination of CCS reads and Omni-C proximity ligation data to produce fully phased chromosome

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

scale genome assemblies. This is an exciting approach because it doesn’t require parental sequences for

3:35-4:05 haplotype resolution but still produces high quality 3:35-4:05 3:35-4:05 results comparable with trio based assemblies. In this talk I’ll introduce the data types we are using, an assembly Continued Continued pipeline we developed to use these datatypes, and the results from a human genome assembly and the assembly of a non-human organism the Atlantic bluefin tuna.

YINONG YANG KELLYE EVERSOLE JOHN KRUSE Professor, The Pennsylvania State University Executive Director, International Alliance for Sr. Vice President - Agronomy, Application of promoter editing and base Phytobiomes Research Plant Response Biotech editing to improve rice yield and disease Phytobiomes: Laying the Foundation for Overcoming abiotic stress in turfgrass resistance Next Generation Agriculture Plant Response engaged a researcher at • The polycistronic tRNA-gRNA (PTG) multiplex editing • Phytobiomes - the holistic, systems approach for plant- Virginia Tech to evaluate the efficacy of a compound in strategy was employed to efficiently generate novel based agriculture mitigating adverse effects of abiotic stresses such as heat promoter alleles for two rice genes associated with • Plant and soil microbiomes as critical components of and drought. Hybrid bermudagrass and creeping bentgrass 4:05-4:35 4:05-4:35 grain yield and disease resistance phytobiomes 4:05-4:35 were tested separately under environmentally controlled • The PTG approach was also used for multiplex base • Bottlenecks in our understanding of microbiomes conditions. Two weeks prior to the onset of stress, the editing in rice plants. A rice blast susceptible allele was • Regulatory science to facilitate commercialization of compound was applied to foliage. Treatments were then successfully converted to a resistance allele by adenine microbial products divided into stressed and non-stressed environments for base editor • Gaps and opportunities in tool, resource, and research 42 days, with periodic evaluations at 14, 28 and 42 days. • Transgene-free, genome-edited lines of the commercial development Parameters measured were turfgrass quality, Leaf MDA, rice cultivar ‘Jupiter’ are being evaluated for yield leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids, leaf photochemical improvement and enhanced disease resistance efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activity, and leaf cytokinin. Results indicated the treatment increased turfgrass quality ratings relative to the Control, particularly during the latter stages of the trial. The compound demonstrated efficacy in other parameters measured, as well.

XINNIAN DONG ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: HHMI Investigator, Arts & Sciences Collaborating in Ag Biologicals from Discovery to Commercialization - a University Industry Partnership Professor of Biology, Duke University • Industry University Collaboration (IUC) is an effective tool for technological innovation, accelerating translation of early Engineering disease resistance through stage research into new products basic research • Creating a collaborative ecosystem in Ag Biologicals lessons we can take from BioPharma and other industries • To engineer disease resistance in crops, minimizing • Case study: Development of a biopesticide with a university partner associated yield penalty is a major challenge. Table 1: JANE FIFE • Understanding how plants solve the defense-growth Chief Technology Officer, 3Bar Biologics 4:35-5:05 dilemma holds the key to developing new strategies of 4:35-5:35 engineering disease resistance in agriculture. • Our work showed the plants use the circadian clock to gate the immune responses and control translation Table 2: KARL CAMERON SCHILLER of defense proteins to avoid interference with growth- COO, Pheronym related activities. Novel pheromone applications for biocontrol Topics include: • Non-arthropod pheromones • Pheromones as a seed treatment • Modifying predator behavior

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 2021

HAJIME SAKAI Table 3: KEITH MATTHEWS CEO, Napigen Attorney at Law, Wiley Rein LLP CRISPR-based gene editing of DOANE CHILCOAT mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA Director, Corteva Agriscience and its application in agriculture Regulatory Update – Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Genome Edited Products 5:05-5:35 • We have developed a novel approach to enable 4:35-5:35 organelle genome editing, • Potential application areas of our technology include agriculture, industrial biotech and human healthcare businesses, and • Hybrid wheat is one of our first targets to help provide solutions for food security of our society and environmental protection.

5:35 End of Day 1

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 DAY 1 SPEAKERS

PETER ECKES Landscape Architecture at University of Maryland, Anne has been with EPA since 1997 and joined the President, Bioscience Research, BASF College Park. In recent years, his lab has developed Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division earlier CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12a and Cas12b systems for plant this year as the Deputy Director. Her responsibilities Peter Eckes, PhD, President of BASF genome editing and transcriptional regulation. He is over the past 22 years include a variety of positions Bioscience Research, has over 25 years of experience interested in developing genome engineering and including Chief of the Field and External Affairs Division’s in the chemical industry. As President Bioscience synthetic biology tools to boost plant fundamental Certification and Worker Protection Branch, Chief of Research, Peter Eckes leads BASF’s global competence and translational research. Communications, Acting Chief within the Pesticide center for biosciences headquartered in Research Re-evaluation Division and Acting Deputy Director in the Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. In this role, he OFIR MEIR Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. In these drives innovative sustainable solutions for agricultural, Chief Technology Officer, positions, Anne has shaped risk assessment as well as food and industrial applications for a better life and Tropic Biosciences risk management decisions, and has played a leadership improved environment. Peter joined BASF in 1992, role in developing outreach materials to the public and Dr. Ofir Meir is the CTO of Tropic Biosciences LTD. after completing a post-graduate fellowship with stakeholder communities. Anne holds a BS in Biology as A UK company utilizing advanced genetic breeding Harvard University’s chemistry department. Peter has well as graduate certifications in Environmental Science technologies (CRISPR gene editing) in developing held multiple roles in BASF in the US and in Germany and Public Policy from George Mason University. before he took on the position as the Senior Vice high-performing commercial varieties of tropical crops. President of Global Research and Development Crop Previously Dr. Meir served as the Director of R&D in the GUY KOL Protection in 2002. Immediately prior to his Bioscience Crop Protection Division at Evogene (NASDAQ:EVGN). NRGene’s VP Strategic Accounts Research responsibility, Peter led BASF Plant Science Prior to this, Dr. Meir worked as a Discovery Lead at & Co-Founder as President. Peter was born in Königstein, Germany, Monsanto, leading a team of scientists in developing studied chemistry in Frankfurt, and holds a Doctorate in innovative production systems. He had previously Guy is one of NRGene founders and served as the organic chemistry. worked at Rosetta Green, later acquired by Monsanto. VP of R&D for several years where he had led the Dr. Meir received his PhD in life sciences from the development of GenoMAGIC. Today, Guy is focusing DOANE CHILCOAT Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. mainly on managing NRGene’s long term, strategic Director, Corteva Agriscience projects while still helping in shaping NRGene’s future KEITH MATTHEWS products and offerings. After completing a B.Sc. in Attorney at Law, Wiley Rein LLP Dr. Chilcoat leads the Applied Science & Computer science and biology in the Hebrew University Technology (AST) organization at Corteva Agriscience. in Jerusalem, Guy started working at Compugen where Keith Matthews has practiced His responsibilities include vector construction, he was involved in using alternative splicing to discover environmental law focusing on the regulation of protein engineering, genome engineering (traditional new drug targets. During this period Guy also got an chemicals, biopesticides, and genetically engineered transformation and use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology), M.Sc. (Human genetics) from the University of Tel-Aviv. genomics, greenhouses/controlled environments, organisms for over 20 years. He has practiced in high-throughput macromolecular analysis, protein the private sector, and for over 13 years was a staff attorney and Assistant General Counsel in the YASMIN PANCHBHAYA production, analytic chemistry, and chemometrics European Product Technical and Customer (including remote sensing). AST supports the entire Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Environmental Service Support Associate, Omega Biotek Protection Agency. He then served for four years R&D portfolio and provides DNA sequencing for all of as the Director of the Biopesticides and Pollution Corteva. AST includes more than 300 researchers at After graduating from the University of Nottingham Prevention Division (BPPD) in EPA’s Office of multiple global sites. with a BSc in Human Genetics, Yasmin Panchbhaya Pesticide Programs (OPP). Now, as Of Counsel with AST is a leader in the development and deployment of then worked as a Research Scientist at Illumina Ltd. Wiley LLP, his practice focuses on the regulation of CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing technology. on the ‘100,000 Genomes Project’ before moving to chemical products, including biotechnology products Recent highlights include: the Genomics Facility at UCL Great Ormond Street regulated by EPA and the U.S. Department of Institute of Child Health. Her fascination with liquid • Use of CRISPR/Cas to improve grain composition Agriculture. Keith counsels and represents clients in handling robotics then lead Ms. Panchbhaya to a and drought tolerance in maize matters involving a variety of statutes, including the career as a Field Application Specialist at Tecan Ltd. • Discovery of Cas9 proteins with novel properties Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act before joining Omega Bio-tek as the European Product • Development of a new off-site detection method (FIFRA), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Technical and Customer Service Support Associate • The first demonstration of RNP based (DNA free) (FFDCA), the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), in October 2020. In her position at Omega Bio-tek, editing in crop plants and the Plant Protection Act (PPA). Ms. Panchbhaya enjoys using her background and Prior to taking his current role in June 2011, Doane NEIL HOFFMAN knowledge to help researchers with their nucleic acid was CEO and cofounder of an anti-infective biotech Science Advisor, USDA-APHIS-BRS purification applications. focused on the human microbiome, Cobax Biopharma. Before that he was Senior Director of Sales Operations Neil Hoffman is a Scientific Advisor in the JAMES DURBIN at Replidyne, a public biotechnology company. He Office of the Deputy Administrator in Biotechnology Bioinformatics Scientist, Dovetail Genomics, LLC previously was an associate partner with McKinsey and Regulatory Services, USDA/APHIS where he provides Company in Chicago and Los Angeles, with a practice science expertise to the USDA administration, advice Dr. James Durbin is a bioinformatics scientist with that focused on life science companies: agriculture, on how to address novel complex and scientific Dovetail Genomics’ R&D group, where he works on biochemical reagents, and pharma/biotech. Doane issues, and how to develop and implement change applications of proximity ligation data to problems in received his B.A. in Biology from Grinnell College and his initiatives to improve the oversight of Biotech Crops. genome assembly, structural variation detection, and Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology from the Prior to his role as Science Advisor, Dr. Hoffman was 3D genome architecture. He received his Ph.D. from University of Chicago. Director of the Environmental Risk Analysis Division in the University of California at Santa Cruz, working BRS from 2003 to 2008. From 1999-2002, Dr. Hoffman YIPING QI under the supervision of Dr. Joshua Stuart and Dr. was a research manager at Paradigm Genetics where David Haussler. His thesis research investigated Associate Professor, University of he directed the research and development activities Maryland, College Park semantic attribute approaches to machine learning for the establishment of high through put platforms prediction of drug effects in cancer cell lines. for discovery of stress genes, new herbicide Previous to that, he was Lead Scientific Programmer Dr. Yiping Qi received a PhD degree from University targets, and the mode of action of herbicides. From of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He then did a postdoc at the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome 1988-1999 Dr. Hoffman was a faculty member of Sequencing Center where he developed fast genome with Dr. Dan Voytas. During that time, he made the Department of Plant Biology in the Carnegie contributions to the development of plant genome search algorithms and much of the assembly software Institution of Science where he worked in the area of editing systems based on Zinc Finger Nucleases that was used to assemble the rat, cow, purple sea chloroplast protein targeting. (ZFNs) and Transcription activator-like effector urchin, and other early metazoan genomes. nucleases (TALENs). Dr. Qi started his own lab at ANNE OVERSTREET East Carolina University in North Carolina in 2013 and YINONG YANG Deputy Director, Biopesticides and Professor, The Pennsylvania stayed there until 2016. He is currently an Associate Pollution Prevention Division, U.S. State University Professor at the Department of Plant Science and Environmental Protection Agency

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 DAY 1 SPEAKERS

Yinong Yang is a Professor in the Department of Plant transposable element activities, the genetics of quality stresses. She earned a BS degree in Microbiology Pathology and Environmental Microbiology and the traits like tea flavour, and the role of microbiomes in from the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at the Pennsylvania plant performance. Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire. State University. He received a PhD in Plant Molecular After a Post Doc at Rutgers University she transitioned and Cellular Biology from University of Florida and AMY GRUNDEN to Industry. She has >15 yrs experience in natural conducted postdoctoral research in the Waksman William Neal Reynolds Distinguished products drug discovery in positions of increasing Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University. Professor, North Carolina State University seniority at Aphios, Cetek and Cubist Pharmaceuticals. During the past thirty years, he has been primarily worked in the areas of molecular plant-microbe Dr. Amy Grunden is a NCSU Faculty Scholar and SHENG YANG HE interactions and genome editing. His recent studies William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Investigator/Professor, focus on the improvement and application of CRISPR/ of Microbiology in the Department of Plant HHMI/Duke University Cas technologies in plant and microbial genome and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State engineering, crop breeding and disease diagnostics. University. Dr. Grunden’s area of expertise is in Sheng Yang He is an Investigator at Howard Hughes the physiology and biotechnological application of Medical Institute and a University Distinguished XINNIAN DONG beneficial microorganisms. She received her Ph.D. Professor at Michigan State University. His lab studies HHMI Investigator, Arts & Sciences in Microbiology from the University of Florida and plant-pathogen interactions, focusing on foundational Professor of Biology, Duke University has over 20 years of research experience. As part of discoveries that contribute to the understanding of her research program, she has developed the use of bacterial pathogenesis and disease susceptibility in Xinnian Dong received her B.S. in microbiology from microbes for crop improvement, biofuel production, plants. His lab also uses microbial pathogenesis as Wuhan University in China in 1982 and Ph.D. in and bio-decontamination. She is also helping to a probe to gain insights into fundamental cellular molecular biology from Northwestern University in develop new bio-electrochemical technologies for processes involved in plant-microbe interactions, Chicago in 1988. She began her study of plant immune on-farm nitrogen-fertilizer production and is examining including immune suppression, jasmonate signaling mechanisms as a postdoc at MGH, Harvard Medical microbiomes of unique environments for application and stomatal defense. Recent research in his lab School. Dong is currently an Arts & Sciences Professor of newly discovered microbes to agriculture and begins to shed light on how climate conditions and of Biology at Duke University. The Dong laboratory biotechnology. Her research program has received microbiota might influence disease development. identified NPR1, a master regulator of immune support from DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, USDA, and Dr. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees regulator in plants, and made several important Hanes-Brands Inc. She recently was awarded funding from Zhejiang (Agricultural) University, China, and discoveries on how NPR1 transduces the immune from the Novo Nordisk Foundation for a multinational a Ph.D. degree from Cornell University, USA. He signal salicylic acid in conferring broad-spectrum effort to harness plant-microbe interactions to enhance serves on a number of journal editorial boards and disease resistance and how to use it for engineering crop resilience scientific advisory committees, is a Past-President of crops. Dong became a HHMI investigator in 2011, an the International Society of Molecular Plant-Microbe AAAS fellow in 2011, a member of NAS in 2012, an OLIVER DEUSCH Interactions, a fellow of the American Association for AAM Fellow in 2013 and an outstanding alumna of Scientific Product Manager, the Advancement of Science and a member of the US Wuhan University in 2013. Dong received the Chinese Computomics GmbH National Academy of Sciences. Biological Investigators Society (CBIS) Ray Wu Award Dr. Oliver Deusch is Scientific Product Manager for in 2018. JOHAN LEVEAU Metagenomics at Computomics. He studied Biology Professor, University of at the University of Düsseldorf and graduated on California, Davis HAJIME SAKAI genome-wide evolutionary analyses. Oliver has worked CEO, Napigen in industry and academia in multiple countries and Dr. Johan Leveau earned his BSc/MSc degrees in Biology at Wageningen University, The Netherlands Prior to co-founding NAPIGEN in has more than 15 years experience in bioinformatics and his PhD degree in Microbiology at the ETH 2016, Hajime Sakai gained extensive experience in including 10 years in metagenomics analysis. At Computomics Oliver uses his skills to develop easy-to- in Zürich, Switzerland. He pursued post-doctoral agricultural R&D from his eighteen years at DuPont use metagenomics analysis solutions. studies at UC Berkeley and the Netherlands Institute Pioneer. While at DuPont Pioneer, he used diverse of Ecology. In 2008, he came to UC Davis, where genetic and genomic strategies to create robust lead ERIC WARD he currently is Professor in the department of Plant discovery platforms to identify new trait leads for Co-CEO, AgBiome, Inc. Pathology. Dr. Leveau studies the microbiota that major crop plants such as maize. That work resulted colonize above- and below-ground plant parts, with in numerous granted patents in the US and other Eric has worked in the agricultural emphasis on the structure, function, and assembly countries. Before his industrial engagement, Sakai biotechnology industry for over 30 years, helping found of the microbial communities associated with spent several years at Caltech researching plant AgBiome and currently serving as its Co-CEO. Prior to economically important crops in relation to food molecular genetics, which led to the discovery of genes that he was President of the Two Blades Foundation, security and food safety. Lab Leveau has many that regulate the development of plant reproductive a non-profit dedicated to promoting the development research interests, such as the manipulation of host tissues and organs. Sakai obtained a Ph.D. from the of durable disease resistance in crops, and CEO and hormone homeostasis by plant-associated bacteria, the University of Munich, Germany, in the area of yeast a co-founder of Cropsolution, Inc., an ag chemical molecular mechanisms that underlie the mechanisms mitochondrial genetics. discovery company focused on novel fungicides. Eric of ‘biocombicontrol’ to manage plant disease, and the began his career at Ciba-Geigy (later Novartis, now use of novel technologies to visualize and quantify JEFFREY BENNETZEN Syngenta), where he held various positions in research Giles Professor of Genetics, microbial activities at micrometer resolution. For more management, ultimately serving as co-president of University of Georgia information about Dr. Leveau’s research, visit http:// Novartis Agribusiness Biotechnology Research. Eric leveau.ucdavis.edu. has authored more than 75 scientific publications Jeff Bennetzen received his Ph.D. from the University of and is inventor on more than 35 issued patents. He Washington for studies of yeast molecular genetics, did KELLYE EVERSOLE received his undergraduate training in biology at Duke Executive Director, International Alliance postdoctoral work for one year, worked in industry for University and a PhD in plant biology from Washington for Phytobiomes Research two years, and then took a faculty position at Purdue University in St. Louis. University in 1983. Since 2003, he has been the Giles Kellye Eversole is a pioneer in agricultural genomics, Professor of Genetics at the University of Georgia. Dr. VICTORIA KNIGHT-CONNONI biotechnology, and the development of international, Bennetzen was elected a member of the US National Senior Director, Microbial Sourcing and pre-competitive, industry-academic research. Since Academy of Sciences in 2004. He was the founder Evaluation, Indigo Agriculture, MA 1994, she has led consortia and projects to obtain or co-founder of the International Grass Genome reference genome sequences for agriculturally Initiative, the Maize Genetics Executive Committee and Victoria leads the Microbial Sourcing and Evaluation important crop, livestock, and poultry species. She the McClintock Prize. His laboratory is best known for team at Indigo. Her team isolates novel microbes from leads the International Wheat Genome Sequencing its work investigating the very dynamic processes that the plant microbiome from crops of interest under Consortium that obtained the reference sequence determine the structure, function and evolution of plant abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Her team evaluates of the bread wheat genome and, since 2016, the genomes, and he has published more than 200 articles the microbes’ potential as seed treatments to increase International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research on this subject. His current research interests include the growth of crops under various environmental which is pioneering a holistic, systems approach

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 DAY 1 SPEAKERS

to understand the complex interactions between LARAMY ENDERS agriculture, focused on genetic engineering and the biological and geophysical components of Assistant Professor, Purdue University risk and chemicals. Jon has written two bestsellers, agricultural production systems and support the Taboo: Why Black Athletes Dominate Sports and development of novel, site specific products for Dr. Enders is an applied evolutionary Why We Are Afraid to Talk About It; and Abraham’s enhanced sustainability. She was elected as a Fellow biologist that studies plant-insect- Children: Race, Identity and the DNA of the Chosen of the American Association for the Advancement of microbe interactions in agroecosystems. She received People. He was a longtime fellow at University of Science for her work in plant and microbial genomics her PhD from the University of California - Riverside, California-Davis Institute for Food and Agricultural and has published widely in top tier journals including where she studied stress biology and population Literacy; George Mason University's Center for multiple articles in Science and Nature. genetics in Drosophila. She then went on to work as Health & Risk Communication; and American a postdoctoral researcher at the University Nebraska Enterprise Institute. Jon graduated from Trinity MAGALIE GUILHABERT -Lincoln and Kansas State University where she College with a degree in philosophy and studied at VP, Head of Microbial Research focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms University of Michigan on a NEH Fellowship. Technologies, Bayer responsible for virulence of aphid pests in soybean and wheat. In 2017 she joined Purdue University's JOHN KRUSE Magalie Guilhabert is holding a Master in Biology Entomology Department where she has expanded Sr. Vice President - Agronomy, (minor Plant Breeding) from the University of her research interests to include both plant and insect Plant Response Biotech Rennes, France and a PhD in Plant Pathology microbiomes. from the University of California, Davis, US. Her John Kruse is a soil scientist by academic training, research included Plant-Microbe Interactions and KATRIN JAKOB earning his Ph.D. in soil fertility and soil chemistry Microbial Molecular Signaling. She performed post- USA Business Development for Plant- from the University of Georgia. He has served as a doctoral work at the United States Department of DiTech, California Business Associates Crop Specialist for the Louisiana State University Agriculture, Albany, CA, in the Produce Safety and Agricultural Center, and as a Research Agronomist in Microbiology Research Group. Magalie has more Dr. Katrin Jakob is Managing Partner at California industry, where he focused on developing field trials than 13 years’ experience in different R&D positions Business Associates and working with Plant-DiTech to evaluate the efficacy of products that enhance in the CropScience Industry with Bayer and legacy to increase its presence in the US market. Katrin has nitrogen use efficiency. More recently, his research companies. Recently, she served as the Director, more than 25 years of experience in plant science has focused on technologies in the biological space, Head of Crop Efficiency and Seed Growth at Bayer and genetics, molecular breeding, microbiology and developing trial programs to test product candidates CropScience, where her responsibilities included the crop science. Before founding California Business that hold the potential to improve plant innate identification and development of microbial solutions Associates, Katrin worked at Mendel Biotechnology immunity, abiotic stress tolerance and nutrient uptake for seed treatment of row crops. Since November where she was leading research in molecular and utilization. 2018 Magalie is heading the R&D activities to drive breeding, biofuels and microbial products to enhance the identification and optimization of differentiating, crop productivity and stability. She received a MS in JANE FIFE Chief Technology Officer, efficacious and safe new active ingredients. She Crop Science from the Humboldt University of Berlin, 3Bar Biologics is also member of the Biologics R&D leadership and a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Giessen, Germany. She performed her postdoctoral team of Bayer CropScience. She is currently located Jane Fife joined 3Bar Biologics as Chief Technology research in plant pathology and genetics at the at the Biologics Bayer CropScience Site in West Officer in 2016, where she leads R&D to improve University of Chicago, USA. Katrin is a board member Sacramento, CA. Magalie is an advocate for public/ bioformulation and delivery of beneficial microbes at Biotech Partners and mentor for Plug&Play. private partnership and has been for example for more effective plant growth and biological member of the Board of directors of the International control. 3Bar Biologics is an early stage startup Alliance for Phytobiome Research, an industry- STEPHEN DUKE dedicated to improving cost and performance of academic collaborative initiative focused on building Adjunct Research Professor, University of Mississippi microbial products to more sustainably increase a phytobiome-based foundation for accelerating yield and productivity in agriculture. Prior to 3Bar the sustainable production of food, feed, and fiber. After his Ph.D. at Duke University, Stephen Duke Biologics, Jane managed technology development in She has also recently been a public member in researched the mode of action of herbicides and other agribusiness at Battelle Memorial Institute, including the University of California Davis Biological Safety phytotoxins, natural pesticides, herbicide resistance in efforts in bioformulation and precision agriculture. Administrative Advisory Committee, US. Magalie is an crops and weeds, and other plant science areas for 45 Jane has a PhD in Agricultural Engineering from inventor on several issued patents and has published years with the USDA. In 2020, he joined the National The Ohio State University, with research interests in her work in peer-reviewed journals including Journal Center for Natural Products Research of the School applying innovative technologies for more targeted of Bacteriology, Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, of Pharmacy of the University of Mississippi. He has delivery of agricultural inputs and smarter, more Molecular Microbiology and PLoS. authored almost 500 peer reviewed publications and sustainable agricultural production. has h indices of 92 and 66 with Google Scholar and JAMES WHITE Web of Science, respectively. His awards include Professor, Rutgers University KARL CAMERON SCHILLER fellow of AAAS and of ACS, Agricultural Research COO, Pheronym James White is Professor of Plant Service (USDA) Hall of Fame, and an honorary Mr. Karl Cameron Schiller is the co- Biology at Rutgers University. He obtained B.S. and doctorate from the University of the Basque Country founder and COO of Pheronym. He is M.S. degrees from Auburn University and Ph.D. (Bilbao,Spain). He is former chair of the Agrochemical an experienced entrepreneur with BA in economics from the University of Texas, Austin. Dr. White and Division of ACS, the Weed Science Society of America, the International Weed Science Society, and and M.Sc in pharmaceutical economics. Prior to lab members study endophytic microbes and how Pheronym, he co-founded Kaplan Schiller Research they affect plants. Dr. White is the author of more the International Allelopathy Society. He is Editor-in- Chief of the journal Pest Management Science. LLC. and volunteered as president of a not for profit than 230 articles, and author and editor of reference organization where he managed 5 people team. In books on the biology of endophytes, including JON ENTINE addition, he was a consultant in pharmaceutical Biotechnology of Acremonium Endophytes of Founder, Genetic Literacy Project product development, cost-effectiveness analysis, Grasses (1994), Microbial Endophytes (2000), The modeling, and statistical analysis. His clients include Clavicipitalean Fungi (2004), The Fungal Community: Jon Entine is founder and executive the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, Its Organization and Role in the Ecosystem director of the nonprofit educational outreach Florida Medicaid, and Pfizer. (2005, 2017), Defensive Mutualism in Microbial Genetic Literacy Project. Its hub site has 17 million Symbiosis (2009), and Seed Endophytes: Biology visitors annually, advocating science-based policy and Biotechnology (2019).Dr. White is a Fellow of solutions and responding to misinformation and mis- the AAAS, and Associate Editor for journals Fungal regulation about farming and food, environmental Ecology, Symbiosis, Mycoscience, and Scientific sustainability, vaccine and biomedicine, gene Reports, and also serves on the editorial boards drives, synthetic biology and gene editing. A lifelong of MDPI journals Biology and Microorganisms. journalist, with 20 major journalism awards including Dr. White is Editor-n-Chief of the Plant-Microbe two Emmys, Jon has written thousands of articles Interactions section of journal Microorganisms. and seven books, including three on sustainable

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 2 THURSDAY MARCH 4 2021

8:40-8:45 Global Engage Welcome Address

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS CONGRESS KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: JEREMY WILLIAMS ANN HIRSCH Sr. VP and Head of Plant Biotechnology, Distinguished Professor of Molecular, Cell Bayer Crop Science and Developmental Biology, University of Advancing Innovations in Crop Science California, Los Angeles through Gene Editing Using Plant Microbiomes to Promote Crop Growth and The application of molecular genetics to crop agriculture Restore Soil Fertility has been instrumental in the improvement of several crops, Plant-growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) have been isolated leading to increased yields and improvement of other from rhizospheres and tissues of plants growing in arid,

8:45-9:20 economically important traits. Gene editing is a key enabling 8:45-9:20 nutrient-poor environments in various parts of the world, 8:45-9:20 technology that is adding to the continuing innovation in e.g., Israel, Botswana, Pakistan, and Southern California. No Track Talk the field. We have applied CRISPR editing reagents across The PGPB have potential for use in plant growth promotion, Track Starts at 9:20 multiple crops to create genetic variation through single fighting plant disease, and restoration of soils damaged and multiple gene knockouts, as well as templated edits. by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other Gene editing generates the type of variation introduced by amendments because they are already well adapted to harsh traditional breeding, with the potential to deliver products that conditions where they promote plant growth and maintain offer solutions to growers and help feed a growing society soil health. We employed cultivation-dependent methods while protecting the environment. Through our research and to isolate bacteria from dry environments and tested the partnerships, we are using gene editing to create variation in effects of several microbial isolates on agriculturally important plant architecture, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. plants in both greenhouse and small field studies. We also performed cultivation-independent analyses to get an inventory of the microbes present in these arid environments.

TOM ADAMS RYTAS VILGALYS SCOTT LOWMAN CEO, Pairwise Professor, Duke University Director of Research, The Institute for Gene Editing for Healthy Diets Communication and coevolution between Advanced Learning and Research While many of the early agriculture-based forest trees and their symbiotic fungi Bridging Academia and Industry - Agtech biotech efforts have focused on increasing A highly diverse community of symbiotic Research at the Institute for Advanced the efficiency and production of feedstocks like corn and fungi occurs within roots of forest trees that includes Learning and Research soy, there is also a substantial societal benefit to be had beneficial (mycorrhizal) mutualists, saprophytes, As a state-supported entity, the Institute for Advanced from improving specialty crops. Diet is the single largest pathogens, and other guilds whose functions are as yet Learning and Research (IALR) occupies a unique niche contributor to human health and currently over 2 billion unknown. Using traditional culture-based methods as well in the field agricultural research. Unlike academia, IALR people are obese or overweight, and are thus at high risk for as nextgen sequencing approaches, we characterized researchers do not train students, and unlike industry, IALR

9:20-9:50 a myriad of diet-related diseases. At Pairwise, much of our 9:20-9:50 and sequenced genomes from over 50 fungal species 9:20-9:50 cannot manufacture, promote, and sell a product. Instead, effort is focused on using CRISPR technology to improve associated with the model tree host Populus trichocarpa researchers have the ability to partner with academia fruits and vegetables, so that people want to consume in order to study how fungal communities regulate and venture into new areas without the constraints of more of them. Not only are the health benefits of eating nutrient exchange between plants and soil. These often unavailable, highly competitive grant funding. IALR fresh produce well established, but the use of CRISPR to integrated 'omics' approaches provide functional insights scientists also team with industry, capitalizing on knowledge create more desirable produce means that the benefits of into plant-fungal symbiosis, including the genetic of fundamental research and guided by industry principles the technology are easier to understand and communicate. determinants of host-specificity between fungi with their of robust IP, ownership, scale-up, and shelf life. Focus areas My presentation will focus on different approaches to gene plant hosts. include plant biostimulant and biocontrol development and editing in agriculture, and what Pairwise is doing to develop research, advanced imaging and robotics, and analytical better fruits and vegetables for us all. chemistry. Utilizing this “toolbox” along with expertise from researchers with diverse backgrounds, the IALR research division seeks to develop new business opportunities and university collaborations as well as to stay at the forefront of new trends in agricultural technologies.

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 No Track Talk Track No THURSDAY MARCH 4 2021 4 MARCH THURSDAY Professor, University of Tennessee endophyte , a fungal bassiana Beauveria insect activity biocontrol against with pathogens and plant pests BONNIE OWNLEY DAY 2 2 DAY PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTSPARTNERSHIPS is a well-known entomopathogenic entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana a well-known is been years, has in recent fungus the fungus. Moreover, reported endophytically to species, plant colonize many and an endophyte,as it activity can suppress pathogens. of plant Efficacy can be impacted biological of microbial controls conducted meta-analyses three of We variables. by many by reports screening for publications on endophyticcurrent insect colonization, and percentagesB. of plant bassiana associated with suppression pathogen mortality, and plant positively that and negatively influenced fungus.the Factors activitiesthese identified fungal be and will discussed. were review of ability the a quantitative provide findings Our of endophytic insect from protect plants pests to B. bassiana of its our knowledge pathogens, and increase and plant tool. management disease a plant as potential

9:50-10:20 11:20-11:50 No Track Talk Track No PLANT MICROBIOME RUSTY RODRIGUEZ CEO, Adaptive Symbiotic Technologies Generating Climate Resilient Crops via Microbial Symbiosis to Enhance Crop Yields, Yield Quality and Food Security Adaptive Symbiotic Technologies developed BioEnsure®, Adaptive Symbiotic Technologies developed endophytes a novel microbial inoculant comprising fungal and that adapt plants to temperature, salinity, drought nutrient stress. foliar spray BioEnsure can be applied as a seed treatment, quality. or in furrow to enhance crop yields and yield in the Commercialized in 2017, BioEnsure is now sold > 2,000,000 USA, Argentina, Australia and India covering acres in 2020. PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS TH • • •

9:50-10:20 11:20-11:50 PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5 TH 8 SCHEDULE Morning Break Morning VP, Director of Research, INARI VP, INARI: a seed design company aiming at a SEEDesign Company is Inari and diversityembracing innovation drive to HELENE BERGES HELENE SERGEI SVITASHEV SERGEI Research Scientist, Corteva in gene targeting Efficient Agrobacterium- using maize deliverymediated SPEED NETWORKING SESSION SPEED NETWORKING designed session meet this you to for have other we therefore vital industry, is in the session. and collaboration Networking interactive this for area’ ‘networking in the join us Please session. the meeting after formal a more virtual – exchange a series for of business speed 3 minute and arrange cards, interest attendees networking mutual video is calls. there If help build a new food system. Our approach relies on relies on help approach build a new Our food system. axes: an editing main two a predictive design create to learning and machine deep learning through blueprint edits multiple editingand a multiplex facilitate toolkit to technology this present will across genes. multiple We seed complexity the transform to matches that of nature predictive designusing editing. gene and multiplex CRISPR-Cas is a powerful tool for generating targeted targeted a powerful is generating for tool CRISPR-Cas precise and genomic deletions.mutations However, gene insertion a major remains or sequence replacement technology is of before CRISPR-Cas9 application hurdle in maize Advancements breeding. fully in plant realized new vector designs and approaches transformation, selectable of targeted enabled increase marker-free insertion frequencies 100-fold in by approximately Agrobacterium-mediated conventional to comparison not these allowed advancements Importantly, delivery. only of frequency the a significant improvement but of also qualitythe insertionof events. generated direct Both and be will approaches discussed. gene targeting intragenomic 10:50-11:20 CONGRESS 9:50-10:20 10:20-10:50 PLANT GENOME & DEVELOPMENTS ENGINEERING: STRATEGIES 11:20-11:50 THURSDAY MARCH 4 2021 4 MARCH THURSDAY PETER MEINHOLD & CTO, Provivi Co-Founder – The New Foundation Mating Disruption for Insect Control is a California-based AgTech Provivi, Inc. MICHAEL STOUT State , Louisiana and Head Professor University Dept. of Entomology Practical Considerations for the Use of Plant Strengtheners in Agriculture DAY 2 2 DAY company using pheromones to protect crops from major crops from major pheromones to protect company using methods Our patented production damaging insects. the cost of manufacturing enable a step change in us to pioneer the use of this proven pheromones, allowing such as corn, rice and soy. This tool in high-acreage crops advances towards launching talk will highlight the recent corn and rice. pheromone products in resistance One of the most distinctive features of plant to arthropod herbivores and pathogenic microorganisms is its plasticity – that is, the expression of resistance is governed by a host of biotic and abiotic factors. has Although phenotypic plasticity in plant resistance use of plant been extensively investigated, the intentional arthropod pests phenotypic plasticity for the management of of and diseases in crops is still rather limited. Manipulation and plant resistance against pathogenic microorganisms of ways, such arthropod pests can be achieved in a variety the soil or the as the application of mycorrhizae or silicon to In this treatment of plants with elicitors of plant resistance. to stimulate presentation, I will review the efforts of my lab pests using resistance of rice, Oryza sativa, to various insect silicon, mycorrhizae, and jasmonates.

11:50-12:20 12:20-12:50 JAMES PEARCE JAMES Boost BiomesCSO, Reveal to Interactions Microbiome Boost Biomes: Understanding Microbials Synergistic interrogate to enables us Platform Technology Boost Biomes' Interactome environmental microbiomes in order to understand the interactions taking in a microbial place interactions the understand to microbiomes in order environmental can identify we knowledge consortia this synergistic With or identifycommunity. antagonists

12:50-1:05 TREVOR CHARLES University ScienceProfessor/Chief Officer, of Waterloo/Metagenom Bio Life Science Strategies for managing the microbiome in JEANETTE NORTON University State Utah Professor, cycle nitrogen for microbes Managing sustainability half over for responsible is Agriculture Controlled environment hydroponic systems present Controlled environment hydroponic systems improved opportunities for control of the microbiome for plant health and production nutrients Microbiome composition can be altered through or inoculants Research is aimed at developing reliable microbiome solutions that can be implemented on the farm PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS TH of the input of reactive nitrogen to terrestrial systems systems of input terrestrial the to of nitrogen reactive majorityand the of emissions of the anthropogenic fertility oxide. Nitrogen nitrous gas, greenhouse potent complex because inherently its is mobilitymanagement processes by microbial driven and availability is of of rates controlling Factors and nitrification. mineralization supply, soils include substrate in agricultural nitrification ofenvironment, nitrifiers and nitrification populations inhibitors are nitrification commercial inhibitors. Current effective climate butis changing useby complicated their of nitrifying Interactions standards. organisms and organic or microbes plants producingwith biological nitrification but beginning approach just to a promising inhibitors is needs be carefully to smartagriculture Climate understood. effective remain nitrogen to theseoptimized for strategies impacts. reducing environmental while tools management controlled environment vegetable production • • •

11:50-12:20 12:20-12:50 PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5 TH 8 SCHEDULE BOBBY WILLIAMS BOBBY CalyxtGene Director, Editing a for Innovations Plant-Based Delivering World Better and sustainable healthy demands future The MARKITA LANDRY MARKITA of Chemical and Assistant Professor of Engineering, University Biomolecular California Berkeley Based Delivery of Nanomaterial in Mature Plants Biomolecules Director Global Business Strategy, Computomics GmbH Director Global Business Strategy, Computomics Plant Breeding Applying Machine Learning to Predictive technology ability learning providesAdvanced the machine exploit to all of genetic gain increasing breeding program any within genetic potential the RUTH MAYES plant-based innovation, which is where Calyxt where is which comes innovation, in to plant-based uses world the revolutionizing way are the We a role. play cutting-edge proprietary with solve problems to plants gene editing breeding technologies, including TALEN® and farmers possible making are what We technology. of been years by doing hundreds for botanists have choosing make best the and breeding to them plants oat, and productive uniform crops like more stronger, process this accelerate soybeanhemp, We and wheat. naturally that by unique characteristics enhancing the develop productsto breakthrough that exist in each plant deliver benefits resistance, health, consumer climate like economics, grower improved and more. nutrition, animal Genetic engineering of plants is at the core of core sustainability the Genetic at of engineering is plants efforts, crop product synthesis,agricultural and natural limits the that a barrier is cell wall plant The engineering. biomolecules exogenous which with and throughput ease efficient plants. can be demonstrate delivered to Here, we diffusion-based biomolecule deliverytissues and organs into and of species of intact plants of several pristine a suite with nanomaterials. chemically-functionalized high aspect ratio Efficient DNA delivery expression protein strong and of accomplished in a range is integration without transgene can be applied our platform that plants, and demonstrate expression genome editing transient for CRISPR-based for and gRNAs.of passive provides for Cas9 a tool work Our delivery into of biomolecules, integration, without transgene biotechnology diverse cells for plant applications. plant faster each cycle whilst maintaining genetic diversity. Explore performance the genetic diversity. of millions each cycle maintaining whilst faster of offspring virtually and select onlythe high maximiseperformersto space. field plot CONGRESS 11:50-12:20 12:20-12:50 12:50-1:05 CONGRESS SCHEDULE DAY 2 THURSDAY MARCH 4 2021

Additionally, as machine learning models non additive effects by identifying each marker against any undesirable strains. We can subsequently screen for activities relevant to agricultural

12:50-1:05 and combination of marker contributions, it provides the ability to improve and optimise 12:50-1:05 productivity. The platform can also be deployed to look for synergists with existing commercial polygenic traits. This unique model is able to incorporate multiple data sources. It provides products increasing their titer, shelf life, activity or spectrum. By building consortia based on the ability to predict varieties and hybrids for specific location and climates. synergy we arrive at products more likely to be resilient when deployed in the highly variable and challenging environments found in agricultural applications. You will learn how our platform works and see data on our lead candidates effective at extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

1:05-1:50 Break YAFAN HUANG JANE FIFE President & CSO, Performance Plants Inc. Chief Technology Officer, 3Bar Biologics Development and commercialization of high performance crops through Improving Performance and Cost of Microbial Biologicals through

1:50-2:20 genetic engineering at yield determining developmental stages 1:50-2:20 Distributed Fermentation • Defining environmental and genetic factors that are critical for crop yield • Scale-up of microbial products is challenging to maintain genetic stability, • Identification and functional analysis of gene targets that have positive consistency and shelf-life of microbes impacts on determining crop yield and productivity • Distributed fermentation is a manufacturing approach to minimize impacts of scale-up on • Validation and advancement of promising gene leads in staple crops through large scale microbial products field tests for product commercialization • Improved costs associated with fermentation, formulation, water, and energy savings support sustainability goals.

BING YANG PANKAJ TRIVEDI Professor, University of Missouri; Member at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Assistant Professor, Colorado State University Genome editing in grass plants Harnessing phytobiomes to fight citrus greening disease Programmable nucleases (e.g., CRISPR RNA guided Cas nucleases) have Citrus greening (aka Huanglongbing, HLB) caused by the phloem-limited, been successfully engineered to induce site-specific mutations at genomic fastidious α-proteobacteria 'Candidatus Liberibacter' spp. is the most devastating 2:20-2:50 loci in grass plants such as rice, maize, wheat, sorghum, etc. The genome editing tools 2:20-2:50 citrus disease in the world. Harnessing the beneficial potential of native microbiota may be one have significantly advance our basic understanding of gene function and engineering of the few logistically and economically potential solutions for controlling HLB. We investigated beneficial traits in grass plants. In my presentation, I will provide our experience in the effect of management practices on HLB control via changes in soil microbiota, and used this developing and utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for targeted mutagenesis in several information to develop a synthetic microbial community (SynCom) with a stable and predictable important grass crops. outcome in the field. Overall, we have developed a microbial toolbox for microbiota-mediated pathogen protection in real world conditions. Further understanding the mechanisms of the SynCom that contribute to the suppression of HLB progression and plant damage will be instrumental for developing better management strategies for grove health and sustainability.

IAN JEPSON

2:50-3:20 Head of Technology Development and Input Traits; Site Business Head RTP, Syngenta Genome Editing in Crop Plants – improved tools and new applications Syngenta has been working in gene editing field for over a decade and have evaluated a range of technology options in crop plants. With the progress of CRISPR/Cas technology, Syngenta has been significantly optimized Cas9 or Cas12a editing system in Syngenta crops. Here we present unpublished examples of improved Cas12a editing capability in crop plants.

3:20 Conference Close

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 DAY 2 SPEAKERS

JEREMY WILLIAMS in plant genomics. She has contributed to major leading global biotechnology companies. Ruth has Sr. VP and Head of Plant publications in the plant genomic field in highly a scientific background with a broad knowledge Biotechnology, Bayer Crop Science cited journals. She joined INARI SEEDesign of applied and research in genomics and life Company in 2019 as part of the science leadership science industry and experience in organisational Jeremy Williams serves as a member team. She wants to contribute to the mission to leadership, building and managing dynamic teams of the Research & Development Leadership Team develop solutions to improve the health of our across multiple sectors. and as Head of Plant Biotechnology for the Crop planet and its inhabitants by developing innovative Science division of Bayer. Based in St. Louis, approaches and hence revolutionizing crop seeds. YAFAN HUANG Missouri, Jeremy leads a global team to enable a President & CSO, Performance Plants Inc. robust discovery pipeline in plant biotechnology MARKITA LANDRY to develop highly effective solutions to strengthen Assistant Professor of Chemical and Dr. Huang is the head of Performance a plant’s resistance to insects, weeds and other Biomolecular Engineering, University of Plants Inc., and is responsible for the overall environmental stresses such as drought. California Berkeley science, technology and commercial development With 20 years of biotechnology and agrochemical of the company. Performance Plants is one of the R&D experience, Jeremy came to Bayer Crop Markita Landry is an assistant leading agricultural biotechnology developers Science in 2018, having previously joined the professor in the department of Chemical and of the world, and has a robust R&D platform, Monsanto team in 2011. His breadth of experience Biomolecular Engineering at the University a solid product pipeline and a successful includes a variety of scientific research and of California, Berkeley. She received a B.S. commercialization strategy, securing licensing leadership roles at Monsanto and Divergence. in Chemistry, and a B.A. in Physics from the and co-development licensing agreements with Prior to his current role, he was Ag Productivity University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Ph.D. many major international seed companies. In Innovations Lead at Monsanto from 2016 to 2018. in Chemical Physics and a Certificate in Business conjunction with its partners, it is opening up Jeremy graduated from Washington University Administration from the University of Illinois emerging agricultural biotechnology markets with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and from at Urbana-Champaign, and completed an NSF worldwide and creating new alliances, forming Swarthmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in postdoctoral fellowship in Chemical Engineering the basis of the development of next generation Biochemistry and French. You can follow him on at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her of high yielding crops for farmers around the Twitter as @deryck_jeremy. current research centers on the development of world. For these achievements, the Company has synthetic nanoparticle-polymer conjugates for won the prestigious 2014 Agrow Award in Best TOM ADAMS imaging neuromodulation in the brain, and for the Industry Collaboration while being shortlisted for CEO, Pairwise delivery of genetic materials into plants for plant Best R&D Pipeline. Dr. Huang earned his M.Sc. in biotechnology applications. The Landry lab exploits Plant Biochemistry from Mount Allison University, Dr. Tom Adams is Chief Executive Officer the highly tunable chemical and physical properties and his Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from and a co-founder of Pairwise. Tom has over 25 years of nanomaterials for the creation of bio-mimetic Queen’s University of Canada. Prior to his work of leadership experience heading up biotechnology structures, molecular imaging, and plant genome at Performance Plants, Dr. Huang worked as for global companies, serving most recently as Vice editing. She is also on the scientific advisory board a postdoctoral fellow in University of Illinois at President of Global Biotechnology at Monsanto of Terramera, Inc, and on the scientific advisory Chicago in the field of plant genetics and hormone where he lead the team developing a broad range board of Chi-Botanic. She is a recent recipient signal transduction. Dr. Huang specializes in the of innovative products. Formerly a faculty member of 18 early career awards, including awards from field of plant biotechnology and has published at Texas A&M University, Tom holds a PhD in the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, extensively in the research areas of plant signal microbiology and plant science from Michigan State the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, The Parkinson’s transduction and abiotic stress tolerance, and has University and a BS in botany and plant pathology Disease Foundation, the DARPA Young Investigator presented many keynote seminars and symposia from Oregon State University. Tom is a long-time program, the Beckman Young Investigator program, in prestigious research conferences and research distance runner and often competes in local events. the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, is a Sloan institutes around the world. Dr. Huang is one of Research Fellow, an FFAR New Innovator, and is a the key inventors of over 86 patent applications of SERGEI SVITASHEV Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator. Research Scientist, Corteva Performance Plants, and his profound international BOBBY WILLIAMS credibility in plant science has made strong Sergei Svitashev is a Research Gene Editing Director, Calyxt contribution to his role as the President of the Scientist in Molecular Engineering Group at company, where he has successfully built many Corteva Agriscience where his research focuses With more than 15 years of expertise commercial partnerships. Outside Performance on developing new technologies enabling corn in the agriculture and seed industry, Plants, Dr. Huang served as the President of genome modification including gene mutagenesis, Dr. Williams currently is Gene Editing Director at Canadian Association for Plant Biotechnology gene editing, and site-specific gene integration. Calyxt. Previously, he served as Senior Research from 2014-2018, and was Canada’s National Prior to this project, Sergei was a part of the Manager at Corteva Agriscience, where he led Correspondent of the International Association for Pioneer group, which successfully developed the multiple trait discovery efforts and cross functional Plant Biotechnology. first plant artificial chromosome. Before joining teams through field advancements. Prior to Pioneer in 2002, he worked as a Postdoctoral Corteva, Dr. Williams was a Helen Hay Whitney BING YANG Professor, University of Missouri; Fellow at the University of Minnesota focusing on post-doctoral fellow at UC Berkeley studying plant transgene loci characterization. Sergei holds Member at Donald Danforth Plant Drosophila development under Gerald Rubin, Ph.D. Science Center BS and MS degrees in Cytology and Genetics He earned his Ph.D. in Biology at the California from Novosibirsk State University (Russia) and a Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA where he Dr. Bing Yang is a professor in the Division of Ph.D. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from focused on plant developmental genetics with Elliot Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri, and the Swedish Agricultural University. Sergei is an Meyerowitz, Ph.D. Member at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. author of more than 30 research publications, book He received PhD degree in plant pathology at chapters and review articles. RUTH MAYES Kansas State University. Yang’s research areas Director Global Business Strategy, include developing and applying gene editing tool HELENE BERGES Computomics GmbH VP, Director of Research, INARI kits for basic understanding of disease biology Ruth Mayes, Director Global Business Strategy, of crops, as well as for genetically engineering Dr Helene Berges, built her career joined Computomics nearly three years ago of crop plants with improved traits. Specifically, around plant genomics, initially as a researcher and manages all aspects of the business and his group has developed a suite of toolsets for studying legume genetics and genomics and for commercial strategy. Ruth Studied applied science high-efficiency genome editing in crop plants such the past fifteen years as the founding director and pharmacology at the College of West Anglia as rice, maize, wheat, sorghum and soybean. His of the French Plant Genomic Center (CNRGV) in the UK and has a BTEC in Science, BTEC research also focuses on basic understanding of which represents the French government’s largest is dispensing practice and an ABPI. Ruth has host susceptibility/resistance to bacterial infection single investment in plant genomics. Under her extensive experience in global sales and Business and using genome editing tools to engineer disease leadership the center has become a global force Development and has worked for some of the resistant rice varieties.

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 DAY 2 SPEAKERS

IAN JEPSON at the University of Washington.Rusty and his (Bt) toxins. This led him to a Post Doc position at Head of Technology Development and colleagues discovered that many plants in nature Syngenta leading their Bt toxin engineering effort. Input Traits; Site Business Head RTP, do not adapt themselves to drought, temperature or Syngenta’s collaboration with enzyme-discovery Syngenta salinity stress. Instead, plants establish symbiotic company Diversa saw a move to San Diego and, associations with microscopic fungi that confer accustomed to the climate James decided to stay Ian is Site Head for Syngenta’s $166 million flagship abiotic stress tolerance. Based on this remarkable in the area joining Cibus as Director of molecular Seeds Research facility in Research Triangle observation, AST developed a novel microbial biology. Here he developed Cibus’ gene-editing Park (RTP) North Carolina, where there are more inoculant (BioEnsure) that generates climate- platform. James then moved on to lead the than 550 scientists working on new sustainable resilient crops. In addition to commercial sales in Monsanto Microbials Discovery Team. Responsible crop varieties that resist pests and produce more developed countries (USA, Argentina, Australia), for the Biologicals Pipeline, the team produced yield with less inputs. Ian heads the Syngenta AST is also dedicated to enhancing food security several microbials now in commercial trials in corn Technology Development and Input Traits global globally. Assistance from USAID has allowed AST to and soy. Four years later James decided to join research department, which is accountable for bring BioEnsure technology to hot and dry regions Boost in July 2019 as CSO, excited by the potential developing strategies to protect crops from of India for empowering: farmers by increasing crop of the technology. Here he is responsible for the insect pests and weeds pressures as well as yields & animal fodder, families by increasing food RnD Strategy in the discovery of unique microbes developing new advanced breeding and genome security & agricultural revenues, and females by with high value traits for Agriculture and Health. editing technologies. Previously, Ian was a Global training them to be seed treaters. R&D Sugar Cane Crop Lead responsible for the PANKAJ TRIVEDI coordination of sugar cane projects across crop JEANETTE NORTON Assistant Professor, protection, planting technologies, biotech and Professor, Utah State University Colorado State University breeding. Prior to assuming this position, he was Head of Enzymes R&D, responsible for biofuels Dr. Jeanette M. Norton is Professor Dr. Pankaj Trivedi joined Colorado State University and animal nutrition. Before his move to the U.S. in of Soil Microbiology in the Department of Plants, (CSU) in 2017 as an Assistant Professor in the 2004, Ian was located at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill Soils and Climate, an Ecology Center Associate Department of Agricultural Biology. He is a International Research Station in the U.K. where and an Adjunct Professor in Biology at Utah member of CSU Microbiome Cluster hires. Dr. he held R&D management positions supporting State University. She graduated with a BS from Trivedi earned his PhD degree in Microbiology biotech and chemical lead discovery. SUNY College of Environmental Science and from Kumaun University, India. He did his Forestry (1980), received her PhD in Soil Science postdoctoral research at University of Florida ANN HIRSCH (Microbiology) at UC Berkeley (1991) under the and Western Sydney University where he used Distinguished Professor of Molecular, mentoring of Prof. Mary Firestone and gained “omics” and machine learning approaches to Cell and Developmental Biology, further experience at the NSF Center for Microbial explores multitrophic interactions among and University of California, Los Angeles Ecology, with Profs. Eldor Paul and James Tiedje. between microbiome and the plant environment. Dr. Norton has been faculty at USU since 1993 Current research projects in his laboratory address I am a broadly trained plant-microbe biologist with with a focus on the microbial ecology of reactive the assembly, fitness and roles of plant, insect, a strong background in nodulating and nitrogen- nitrogen in terrestrial systems. She has received and soil-associated microbiomes; how these are fixing rhizobia and other plant growth-promoting funding from both NSF and USDA-NIFA for work influenced by biotic and abiotic factors; and what bacteria, especially microbes isolated from arid on genomics and microbial ecology of nitrification are their consequences on plant productivity and environments. We are researching plant and in agricultural systems. Promoting sustainability in agro- ecosystems sustainability. By providing soil microbiomes using techniques of molecular agricultural nitrogen management through science- systems-level understanding of plant microbiomes biology/genetics, genomics, and metagenomics to based policy remains a career goal. his research aims develop new computational tools understand the mechanisms of interactions among and host/microbiome models that enable plant bacteria, fungi and plants. Our ultimate goal is to TREVOR CHARLES breeders and plant ecologists to predict beneficial develop a microbial consortium to substitute for Professor/Chief Science Officer, interactions to achieve improved yields and plant synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. I have a wide- University of Waterloo/Metagenom Bio resilience in changing environments. ranging knowledge of root biology, plant-microbe Life Science interactions, and microbial functional genomics. SCOTT LOWMAN Trevor C. Charles, Ph.D. is a bacterial geneticist. Director of Research, The Institute for RYTAS VILGALYS Following B.Sc. Microbiology at University of Advanced Learning and Research Professor, Duke University British Columbia, he obtained his Ph.D. with Turlough Finan at McMaster University (symbiotic Dr. J. Scott Lowman joined IALR in 2014 and was Rytas Vilgalys' lab group at Duke nitrogen fixation) and did postdoctoral work named Director of Applied Research in 2018. He has University uses molecular approaches to study with Gene Nester at University of Washington most notably championed work in biotechnology fungi at a variety of levels ranging from populations (Agrobacterium). He held a faculty position at and advanced imaging to improve agricultural to species and communities. Vilgalys' research McGill University before moving to his current productivity and sustainability. His team seeks to covers several broad areas of mycology, including position at University of Waterloo, where he is identify promising natural microbial biostimulant systematics, population genetics, molecular now Professor, and Director of Waterloo Centre and biocontrol agents (including beneficial plant biology and genomics. He was one of the first to for Microbial Research. He has developed, with his bacteria, or endophytes) to increase plant growth apply PCR-based methods for studying fungal team, a research program with current activity in and health while protecting the environment. Scott’s systematics and was one of the lead investigators the following areas: 1. Transcriptional regulation team also uses the latest technology in unmanned associated with the Fungal Tree of Life project control in Sinorhizobium meliloti, with a focus aerial vehicles, multispectral and thermal imaging which first described the phylogeny of the Kingdom on a regulatory system that is required for root and robotics to improve plant productivity. In Fungi. Current research uses molecular approaches nodule development. 2. Genome engineering of recognition of his work, Scott was named a 2017 to study fungal diversity and function in forest methanotrophic bacteria. 3. Bacterial production of Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumnus at Virginia environments. He has published over 200 scientific novel bioplastics. 4. Beneficial endophytic bacteria Tech and was presented the Commonwealth papers, and has trained over 50 PhD students and in controlled environment agriculture. 5. Bacterial Environmental Leadership Award from the Waldorf postdocs over the last 30 years. degradation of the herbicide glyphosate. He is co- Foundation. Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in founder and CSO of Metagenom Bio, which applies Biology with Honors from Virginia Tech, his master’s RUSTY RODRIGUEZ metagenomic and microbial community analysis to in Biology from the College of William and Mary, CEO, Adaptive Symbiotic Technologies agricultural and environmental challenges. and his Ph.D. focused on molecular plant microbe interactions from Virginia Tech. Rusty is the CEO of Adaptive JAMES PEARCE Symbiotic Technologies (AST), and dedicated to CSO, Boost Biomes BONNIE OWNLEY developing microbial technologies for mitigating Professor, University of Tennessee climate impacts in agriculture. Rusty has a PhD James’ career in Ag Biotech was in Microbiology from Oregon State University founded with a PhD at Cambridge, UK where he Dr. Bonnie H. Ownley is a professor of (1983) and is an Affiliate Professor of Biology studied the mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis plant pathology, director of graduate studies, and

8TH PLANT GENOMICS & GENE EDITING CONGRESS / 5TH PARTNERSHIPS IN BIOCONTROL & BIOSTIMULANTS / MICROBIOME FOR AGRICULTURE CONGRESS USA 2021 DAY 2 SPEAKERS

assistant head in the Department of Entomology PETER MEINHOLD recognized by MIT's Technology Review magazine and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee, Co-Founder & CTO, Provivi as one of the world's top innovators under the age Knoxville. She received her B.S. in biology from the of 35. Peter holds 27 issued U.S. patents the with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.S. in Peter Meinhold, Ph.D. Peter has dozens more pending. microbiology from Auburn University, and Ph.D. in 15 years of experience in leading plant pathology from North Carolina State University. commercial technology development programs. MICHAEL STOUT Peter received his diploma in biotechnology at the Professor and Head , Louisiana State Dr. Ownley’s research program is focused on the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan, University Dept. of Entomology etiology, biology, ecology, and environmentally Germany, after which he proceeded to pursue a sustainable control of plant pathogens on a variety of Ph.D. in biochemistry at Caltech. In 2005, he co- Dr. Michael Stout obtained his B.A. food, fiber, and biofuels crops. Her work in biological founded Gevo, Inc. a leading renewable fuels and in Biology and his Ph.D. in Entomology from the control of plant diseases is recognized internationally. chemicals company that uses engineered yeast to University of California, Berkeley and the University She has published more than 150 research papers, convert renewable sugars into isobutanol. In 2013, of California, Davis, respectively. He has worked book chapters, conference proceedings, and he co-founded Provivi, Inc. together with Prof. for the Department of Entomology in the Louisiana popular press articles and has been recognized Frances Arnold and Dr. Pedro Coelho to create State University Agricultural Center since 1997. His with numerous awards and honors for her research, scalable, pheromone-based insect control solutions research and academic interests include host plant teaching, and academic outreach programs, as well to support farmers, and improve quality of life resistance to arthropod pests and the integrated as service to the university and community. and the health of our environment. In 2010 he was management of insect pests of rice.

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