Biotech Updates

EPA Approves Non-Cotton Refuge for Bollgard II Cotton

June 8, 2007

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a natural refuge option for Monsanto’s Bollgard II cotton planted from Texas east, excluding some Texas counties. Cotton producers in the eligible regions can use non-cotton crops and other plants as a refuge for certain pests, and will not be required to plant a non-Bt cotton refuge for Bollgard II cotton.

Monsanto requested a natural refuge for Bollgard II cotton after collecting extensive scientific data to show that a sufficient number of cotton bollworms and tobacco budworms, key pests controlled by Bollgard II cotton, are present on non-cotton crops and other plants. The natural presence of these pests outside of cotton, combined with the dual efficacy of Bollgard II cotton, greatly reduces the chance that these pests will develop resistance to Bollgard II cotton.

To read more: http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=495.