In a mass layoff notice filed with the US state of North Carolina, BASF Bioscience Research said it could eliminate as many as 190 jobs at its Research Triangle Park Plant Science (RTP) operations. The subsidiary of the Germany-based group later added that only 106 workers may be laid off permanently as affected employees are being given the opportunity to apply for other open positions within the company.

The layoffs are part of a move announced in February to eliminate 350 positions in the Plant Science division, which has its headquarters at RTP. BASF is now refocusing its plant biotechnology R&D to concentrate on projects with highest business and technical realization potential.

Initial cuts in North Carolina will take place from Jun. 30 followed by 14 more on Jul. 31. BASF said "additional reductions" will take place until a total of 155 is reached, probably by the end of 2016. Nearly half the job cuts will affect scientists.

The world’s largest chemical producer moved its Plant Science headquarters to the US in 2012 after failing to win EU approval for its genetically modified potato, Amflora. The same year it announced plans to spend $33m to expand its facilities in Research Triangle Park.