Origin Agritech Says 5 New Corn Hybrids Approved for Distribution in China

NEW YORK (AP) -- Beijing-based Origin Agritech Ltd., which develops crop seeds through agricultural research in China, said Tuesday that five new corn hybrid seeds have been approved for distribution in provinces throughout Central and West China.

The company now has over 50 corn hybrids it can sell throughout China.

Origin said seed variety approval requires the applicant to undergo two growing seasons of monitored growth in at least five different locations in the region. Only seeds that have an increased yield of 8 percent or higher versus the control seeds, and that rank in the top six among all seeds being tested, are cleared for a second year of testing.

Origin shares rose 61 cents, to 10 percent, to $6.64 in morning trading.