Monsanto’s RR 2Xtend soybeans to deliver benefits across all maturity groups

Monsanto is advancing toward commercializing Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, and this year the company will expand its training and education efforts to reach a broader number of growers and geographies. The USDA deregulated Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans in January, and Monsanto anticipates the new technology will be available to growers in 2016 pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“This will potentially be the largest biotech launch in Monsanto’s history,” said Miriam Paris, Xtend system launch manager. “Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans will provide farmers another tool for weed management, and we are excited to bring farmers an expansive number of varieties with superior germplasm and enhanced agronomic packages. Our breeders have been working diligently through the last decade to develop a robust series of products to fit farmers’ needs.”

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans will be available in potentially more than 60 varieties across eight maturity groups, which is more than six times the varieties offered in the launch year of Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans. In addition, farmers can look forward to improved resistance packages against nematodes and phythophthora root rot with these varieties.

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans will be available in Asgrow brand, Channel brand, Monsanto Regional brands and licensee brands. Asgrow brand will lead with the largest number of varieties spanning eight maturity groups.  Longer term, the company believes this technology to be a fit on the majority of the 200 million acres in North America and South America.

Expanded Training and Education Efforts in 2015

In 2015, there will be more in-field training available to growers and retailers, which will include Roundup Ready Learning Xperience sites and the Ground Breakers program. These Ground Breakers farmers will have first-hand experience with these new products. To learn more about their experiences, visit XtendFollowAField.com. In addition, Monsanto will host in-field education events at dozens of locations including field days and learning centers. These sites help engage and educate growers, seed dealers, retailers and applicators about effective and sustainable weed management.