Few technologies have had a greater impact on agriculture over the past decade than the introduction of glyphosate-resistant seed. Now researchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. are developing the next generation of herbicide resistant seed, using groundbreaking technology commonly referred to as "gene shuffling."

In addition to offering an alternative to current glyphosate-resistant technology, gene shuffling holds the promise of introducing a range of desirable traits to Pioneer seed.

"Pioneer Hi-Bred's proprietary trait optimization technology of gene shuffling includes multiple formats and methods that are tailored for each individual trait," says Linda Castle, research coordinator at the Pioneer Research campus in Redwood City, California. "We apply this technology to a wide variety of traits in the Pioneer pipeline."

Gene shuffling technology is highly sophisticated, yet based on the simple principle of transforming genes with poor trait properties into genes with high value. That process begins with identifying genes with potentially valuable traits, such as glyphosate tolerance.

Researchers initially found a few genes with a weak enzyme that inactivated glyphosate. Through a repetitive process similar to traditional plant breeding, researchers began to improve this trait. Finally, at about a 2,000-fold improvement level, they had a gene that provided plants with a sufficient level of herbicide resistance.

This improved gene is being incorporated into Pioneer elite germplasm for further testing. Although commercial introduction is several years away, the technology will offer a number of benefits for growers using
glyphosate-resistant production systems.

"The introduction of this proprietary glyphosate-resistant trait will give growers expanded options to choose among the glyphosate-resistant traits," says Castle. "It will allow companies like Pioneer to offer expanded choices, including stacked traits, to growers in a variety of different seed products. The glyphosate-resistant trait will be stacked with sulfonylurea herbicide resistance to provide additional options for sound weed resistance management and to fill key weed gaps."

Gene-shuffling technology may lead to a wider application window and greater range of rates, which will give growers more application flexibility without having to change their management programs.

"Growers experienced with glyphosate-resistant crops should see a seamless transition in management practices when changing to the glyphosate-resistant trait," says Castle. "In addition, they will be able to apply one or a custom blend of DuPont sulfonylurea herbicides over the top of the crop for added weed control and resistance-management options."

Yields of soybeans with the new gene will not be held back as they are by today's glyphosate resistant traits, a difference university research suggests could be more than five percent.  By combining this with industry leading soybean yields from Pioneer, farmers will enjoy even more significant yield advantages, along with improved weed control options. 

In addition to improving weed control in soybeans, gene shuffling technology can be applied to any crop to address a broad range of trait optimization objectives.

"In some cases the same optimized gene can be used in multiple crops, and in other cases, part of the optimization process includes crop-specific aspects," says Castle. "Gene shuffling technology should help Pioneer identify and develop a number of next-generation traits to help plants survive and perform better against agronomic and environmental stresses, including numerous diseases, plant pests and drought."

The cutting-edge research on the Redwood City campus, combined with the strength of Pioneer in the seed industry, creates a win-win situation, notes Castle -- especially for growers.

"We are committed to providing superior traits at a faster pace that, when combined with Pioneer's elite germplasm, will deliver the highest value to our customers," says Castle.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.