The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended the registration of the Bollgard II insect-protected cotton technology developed by Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) through the 2006 growing season. 

“Extension of this registration is great news for America’s cotton growers and assures that they will continue to have access to this valuable technology,” says Mark Edge, Cotton Product Manager for Monsanto. “Bollgard II cotton provides growers with a convenient alternative to reduce their insecticide applications and related input costs on farm.”

Bollgard II is the second-generation of insect-protected cotton developed by Monsanto. This technology contains two different insect-control genes, compared to the single insect-control gene in its predecessor Bollgard, and provides growers with benefits such as a broader spectrum of insect control and increased defense against the development of insect resistance. 

Today’s announcement extends the product’s registration and allows Monsanto to continue to make the technology available through the 2006 season. This extension requires the continuation of key stewardship practices, including the comprehensive insect resistance management (IRM) program for Bollgard II cotton.

The EPA originally granted a short term registration for Bollgard II cotton in 2002 based on the existence of a time-limited exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for the Cry2Ab2 protein produced by Bollgard II cotton.  On March 31^st, 2004, the EPA granted a non-expiring tolerance exemption for the Cry2Ab2 protein, in turn enabling the Agency to extend the registration for Bollgard II cotton.  The EPA previously granted a non-expiring tolerance exemption for Cry1Ac, the protein produced in both Bollgard and Bollgard II cotton products, in 1997. 

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.  

Bollgard is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC.