Biotech Updates

DuPont Receives Approval for Optimum GAT Soybean Trait

July 25, 2008

DuPont Co. has received U.S. regulatory approval for the use of the herbicide tolerance trait Optimum GAT in soybeans. Optimum GAT seeds are resistant to both glyphosate, marketed by Monsanto Co. as Roundup, and ALS (acetolactate synthase) inhibiting herbicides. It is the company’s first proprietary genetically engineered trait. Currently, the herbicide-tolerant soybeans sold by DuPont carry the Roundup Ready trait licensed from Monsanto. DuPont said it is planning demonstration trials in 2009 and 2010 and will introduce commercial soybean varieties with the herbicide tolerance trait in 2011. Pending regulatory approvals, the company said that it is planning to introduce the trait in corn in 2010.

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