Dr Fred Perlak, director of Cotton and Specialty Crop Technology for Monsanto told the Australian Cotton Conference that the company is researching the development of drought tolerant cotton in both the US and Australia.

Although the program is in its early days, field testing of advances made in greenhouse experiments are already showing promise towards Monsanto’s target of a 20 per cent increase in water use efficiency.

Monsanto has been testing for drought tolerance in both corn and soybeans, and elements of that program have been incorporated into the cotton research program.

“Only in its second year, lead cotton genes have been tested in drought conditions in seven locations, with broadacre application in 10 locations.

“These lead genes show consistent drought stress performance across years, with the  second generation of drought tolerance now being evaluated. We are continuing to screen lead events for performance,” Dr Perlak said.

He said the program involved identifying varieties/trait combinations for improved yield potential and higher lint quality while under water stress, and would include sharing an understanding of improved water management with growers.

Dr Perlak said 24 transformed cotton events are currently in the testing program in six  different gene constructs in replicated trials at eight testing locations under two experimental conditions: well watered and with a water deficit.

Monsanto has plans to test directly in Australia to complement its research effort in the US, and also plans to expand its capabilities and resources in Australia to eventually deliver synchronized product launches in both the US and Australia.