Indianapolis, Indiana
August 14, 2008
Dow AgroSciences is making substantial progress with field
tests leading to the launch of new trait technologies in the
company’s research and development pipeline, reports Tom
Wiltrout, Dow AgroSciences global seeds leader. Multilocation
testing is under way on SmartStax™, the industry’s first-ever
eight-gene trait combination in corn, as well as on Dow
AgroSciences Herbicide Tolerance traits for corn and soybeans.
SmartStax performance tests
“We are completing rigorous performance trials under an
Experimental Use Permit (EUP) as we move toward commercial
availability of SmartStax in 2010,” Wiltrout says. “Trials are
taking place in cooperation with Mycogen Seeds at 30 sites
throughout the Corn Belt. These sites represent a variety of
soil and climate conditions to ensure the traits perform as
expected.
“We are comparing the performance of SmartStax against other
individual traits, trait combinations and nontraited controls.
Research includes efficacy of insect control, both above and
below ground.”
All individual traits contained in SmartStax already have U.S.
regulatory approval, and in June the regulatory package for
SmartStax was submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. The revolutionary trait platform will integrate multiple
insect protection and herbicide tolerance traits to help growers
maximize corn yield potential.
Late planting caused by wet weather in much of the Midwest has
not slowed field testing for SmartStax, says Doug Barker, Dow
AgroSciences research and development project lead for the new
trait combination. “We lost a few of our trials due to flooding,
but in most areas, the crop looks very good and trials are
proceeding as planned,” he says.
Hybrid evaluations
Upon approval, SmartStax will be offered by Dow AgroSciences in
selected MYCOGEN® brand hybrids. Along with testing the trait
technologies, Dow AgroSciences and Mycogen Seeds are conducting
genetics evaluations with corn hybrids that are candidates to
carry the SmartStax trait combination. The first large wave of
SmartStax inbred conversions are scheduled for completion this
fall -- the final step before commercial seed production begins.
“Hybrid trials are under way at more than 250 U.S. locations,
evaluating yield as well as agronomic performance factors like
root and stalk quality,” Wiltrout says. Results of these
genetics evaluations will determine which of a select group of
MYCOGEN brand hybrids will be launched with the SmartStax trait
combination.
To ensure adequate seed production to meet anticipated demand
for hybrids containing SmartStax, Mycogen Seeds will produce
parent seed stock at breeding facilities in Hawaii, Puerto Rico
and South America, where production takes place year-round.
DHT testing update
Regulatory trials are under way with Dow AgroSciences Herbicide
Tolerance (DHT) traits – the next platform of traits in the
company’s pipeline. Announced at the Farm Progress Show a year
ago, these traits will provide tolerance to broadleaf and grass
herbicides, including 2,4-D and “fop” herbicides. The company
expects to launch DHT corn traits as early as 2012, with
soybeans and cotton to follow in 2013.
“The market’s need for new, effective weed control tools is
evident through the increasing number of weeds that are reported
as hard to control or resistant to glyphosate,” Wiltrout says.
“By incorporating proven, broad-spectrum herbicides with
different modes of action in glyphosate-based weed control
systems, we can develop an effective weed resistance management
system to sustain this valued technology.”
Field evaluation of DHT traits in corn, soybeans and cotton
expanded greatly in 2008, with more than 90 different regulated
trials currently taking place across the United
States.Scientists are evaluating gene performance in different
environments and with multiple germplasms, looking at crop
yields, agronomics delivery and performance of multiple trait
stacks.
Dow AgroSciences expects to complete regulatory trials this year
for DHT corn and soybeans traits, with submission of U.S. and
global regulatory packages planned for 2009.
“Our field scientists are excited by the continued performance
of our lead concepts in corn and soybeans. Even though poor
weather delayed establishment of some trials, performance of
these traits under extreme conditions provides the type of
testing that ensures we bring the most robust traits to market,”
Wiltrout says.
Fast track timeline
Wiltrout adds that Dow AgroSciences Herbicide Tolerance Traits
will be combined with SmartStax in corn and stacked with other
market-leading technologies. Work continues toward expanding DHT
technologies beyond corn, soybeans and cotton to additional
crops as well.
“Our goal is to bring these new traits to growers on as short a
timeline as possible to improve crop yields more quickly,”
Wiltrout says. “Developing so many new traits in multiple crops
simultaneously is unprecedented, but speaks to the commitment
that Dow AgroSciences has made to enhance crop yields by
bringing leading-edge technology to market,” Wiltrout adds.
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is
a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of
science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly
improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences
provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and
vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural
biotechnology to serve the world’s growing population. Global
sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow
Chemical Company, are $3.8 billion. Learn more at
www.dowagro.com.
®™MYCOGEN is a trademark of Mycogen Corporation.
™SmartStax is a trademark of Monsanto Company. SmartStax is not
yet registered for sale or use. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency registration of SmartStax is anticipated by 2010. |
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