Bayer CropScience said it will establish its European Wheat Breeding Center in Gatersleben, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

Besides the development of new wheat varieties with higher yields and improved properties for the central European market, the new center will also coordinate all of Bayer's wheat-breeding activities in Europe.

A rental agreement for laboratory and greenhouse facilities has been signed with Biotechpark Gatersleben Infrastruktur GmbH. Up to 40 full-time employees will work at the center in the future. Financial details have not been disclosed.

The center will be part of Bayer CropScience's global network of wheat-breeding stations. Another center focused on North America is currently being set up in the vicinity of Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. Additional stations are planned in Europe and Australia with further expansion in Asia and Latin America in the medium term, Bayer said.

A network of alliances with leading international research institutions is also currently being formed to apply the latest advancements in plant biotechnology to wheat research and breeding and thus accelerate variety development process.