The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted an unconditional registration of the Bollgard II insect-protected cotton technology developed by Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON).

"Extension of this registration is good news for U.S. cotton growers and assures that they will continue to have access to this valuable technology," says Paul Callaghan, Cotton Trait Manager for Monsanto.

"Bollgard II provides cotton growers with the most effective built-in worm control technology available for most leaf- and boll-feeding worm species."

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

Bollgard II cotton produces both the Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ac proteins. Each protein provides control of cotton bollworm and tobacco budworm, which gives Bollgard II dual efficacy for both pests. The two-gene system also reduces the chance that insect resistance will develop.

The Bollgard II registration extension requires the continuation of key stewardship practices, including a comprehensive insect resistance management (IRM) program for Bollgard II cotton.

Cotton farmers first planted Bollgard cotton in 1996, and Bollgard II cotton varieties have been on the market since 2003. Monsanto licenses both traits to cottonseed companies to use in leading cotton varieties.
For the 2007 season, there will be an expanded number of cottonseed varieties with Bollgard II and Roundup Ready Flex cotton traits that have performed very well in university trials across the Cotton Belt.

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