Purdue scientists again partnering with Japanese company

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Purdue University officials say the school is expanding an existing partnership with a Japanese chemical company to include an advanced agriculture project.

Purdue scientists will work with Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Co. to look at plants' roots and leaves and analyze what chemicals or fertilizers it needs. Purdue officials say the technology could also be used to better understand plant growth and response to stress. It also could quicken the development of agriculture productivity efforts.

The company and Purdue already partner on other chemical research projects.

Dan Hirleman is Purdue's chief corporate and global partnerships officer. Hirleman says combining strengths means Sumitomo and Purdue can "can see research projects through to successful products with the potential to impact our daily lives."