S&W Seed to start field trials on biotech alfalfa seed

S&W Seed Company announced the successful conclusion of the first phase of a Forage Genetics International (FGI) collaboration to introduce the Genuity Roundup Ready trait, into one of S&W's highest yielding, salt tolerant, non-dormant alfalfa seed varieties.

FGI and S&W are now commencing field trials to confirm agronomic performance and trait efficacy. Following successful test results that meet the necessary guidelines, S&W will start the seed ramp up necessary to have the quantities required for the marketplace.

Concurrently, FGI has been integrating the Genuity Roundup Ready trait into a second S&W variety which is anticipated to begin field trials in the next twelve months.

Mark Grewal, chief executive officer of S&W Seed Company, commented, "For the last two years, we have been working with FGI to introduce the Genuity Roundup Ready trait into two of our highest yielding, salt tolerant, non-dormant varieties.

These efforts now allow the planting of our first Roundup Ready variety at three trial locations to ensure that our internal agronomic performance and FGI trait requirements will be met. If we are successful, we will be able to meet the growing demands of domestic customers who want to take advantage of this integrated technology."