AgroPages-USDA deregulates Monsanto’s GM alfalfa-Agricultural news

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a determination of nonregulated status for a genetically engineered low-lignin alfalfa variety developed by Monsanto Company and Forage Genetics International (FGI), designated as KK179. The effective date of the determination is November 10, 2014.

KK179 alfalfa is engineered to have reduced levels of guaiacyl lignin and so reduced overall lignin when compared to conventional alfalfa at the same stage of growth. While a certain amount of lignin is essential for healthy alfalfa plants, lignin is indigestible and slows down the digestion of cellulose in the rumen of livestock.

KK179 alfalfa is not intended to be a stand-alone commercial product, but will be combined with Roundup Ready alfalfa utilizing conventional breeding techniques. The combined traits will allow growers planting Roundup Ready × KK179 alfalfa to take advantage of the weed management benefits of the Roundup Ready weed control system as well as the flexibility to choose the production strategy that allows growers to better manages the yield-quality relationship and harvesting schedules to maximize the profitability of alfalfa production for their farming operation.