Biotech Updates

Monsanto to Introduce Aphid Tolerant Soybean in 2011

August 6, 2010

Monsanto Company announced that they will introduce the aphid tolerant Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® soybean varieties in 2011. Aphids have been a major pest in soybean fields in Northern United States. The aphid tolerance trait came from the Rag1 gene, discovered by plant breeders at the University of Illinois. This new variety will be released together with Acceleron insecticide/fungicide seed treatment products for complete aphid control.

According to Aaron Robinson, Monsanto soybean traits technical manager, the aphid-tolerant technology could help eradicate the use of insecticide sprays that also target beneficial insects. Another benefit of this technology was stressed by Dr. Shawn Conley, state soybean specialist at the University of Wisconsin. "If you look at the impact that these insects have, true aphid resistance could provide a real economic boon to farmers in helping to reduce their yield loss," he said.

Read the press release at http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/monsanto_introduces_aphid_tolerant_Genuity_RR2Y_soybeans_for_2011 .