Biotech Updates

Scientists to Develop HT Sugar Beet with Three Modes of Action

January 6, 2016

Scientists from two seed companies are developing biotech sugar beet to better fight weeds. This new variety is tolerant to three different herbicides: glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba. This news was reported by Aaron Hummer, a researcher from Germany-based KWS Saat, during the Snake Rive Sugar Conference held last December. According to Hummel, the combination of the three traits stacked into one variety should prevent the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds because any weed resistant to any of the three modes of action would be killed by the others.

The new variety is being developed by KWS Saat and Monsanto. Trials and development will occur over the next three years and the new variety is expected to become available in the market in 8 to 10 years.

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