Client News
New Genetic Traits for 2009 and Beyond (Sovera, SmartStax)
Colleen Scherer, Ag Professional
October 2008
Major seed companies by the end of this decade and the beginning of the next will deliver the most diverse group of innovative genetics that corn and soybean producers have ever seen. Some of these new seed products will be available for the 2009 growing season. However, these companies also have several traits that are in varying stages of development prior to release over the next few years.
Monsanto Company
Monsanto Company in 2009 expects to commercially offer its YieldGard VT Triple Pro, a new insect protection technology that has above ground and below ground insect control stacked with Roundup Ready technologies.
The dual Bt protein technology in this product is also slated for use in SmartStax, a new corn platform developed by Dow AgroSciences working with Monsanto. Again the target for this seed sales is 2010. Also, YieldGard VT Triple Pro contains dual modes of action and a refuge reduction for corn borer has been approved in the South from 50 percent to 20 percent. This reduction allows for a standard 20 percent refuge in both the South and throughout the Corn Belt. The company will be requesting a refuge reduction from 20 percent to 5 percent with the registration of SmartStax hybrids.
Monsanto provided extensive insight into its research at Farm Progress Days, especially the development of drought-tolerant corn. Reportedly, it is the industry's first biotechnology drought project to move into the regulatory phase. The launch of this product could be in two to four years. Clint Pilcher, corn traits technology development manager, Monsanto, said, "Drought-stress traits will be stacked with YieldGard VT Triple Pro."
Further out, Monsanto is working on a higher-yielding corn that is aimed at boosting the intrinsic potential of corn hybrids and a second-generation drought-tolerant corn. Both of these are in early development. They could be available within six years. Monsanto is also working on a YieldGard Rootworm III trait.
In soybeans, Monsanto expects to launch Sovera (Improved Protein) soybeans in 2009. In addition, Monsanto expects to launch Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans in 2009, which is the second generation Roundup Ready product. These soybeans can provide a yield increase from seven percent to 11 percent. "This is the first Monsanto trait that is basically a yield enhancement," said Dan Zink, Monsanto learning center manager.
Vistive III soybeans are currently in Phase III development with Vistive I low linolenic soybeans being grown currently, but Visitive I soybeans from Roundup Ready 2 Yield genetics will be grown in 2010.
Other trait seed coming along are Omega-3 enhanced soybeans, high-oil soybeans, dicamba-tolernat soybeans, insect-protected plus Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans, soybeans with nematode resistance, second generation high-oil soybeans and soybean with additional disease resistance.