Bollgard II RR Flex technology is Monsanto's bet against Helicoverpa armigera in Brazil

Monsanto has put a strong bet on the Bollgard II RR Flex technology to control Helicoverpa armigera – a plague that caused losses of R$ 10 billion in the last crop seasons in Brazil. The transgenic seed is a combination of second generation Bollgard cotton with the second generation of Roundup Ready cotton.

"The Bollgard II cotton presents the expression of two Bt proteins, Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2, both specific and toxic to the caterpillars of some lepdoptera. The RR Flex cotton is tolerant to glyphosate even in the most critical phases of growth, "describes Monsanto on its website.

According to the company, the Bollgard II RR Flex technology “promotes a protection against the main crop caterpillars: Alabama argillacea, Helitoris virescens, pectinophora gossypiella, Chrysodeixis includens, Helicoverpa spp and Spodoptera spp. Besides, it improves the flexibility in weed management” because the variety is resistant to the application of the herbicide glyphosate.

According to Anderson Pereira, technical manager of cotton at Monsanto, “The plant becomes shielded. Currently, it is the most efficient solution in the Brazilian market for the combat of Helicoverpa.” He emphasizes that the technology reduces the applications of insecticides and it is effective against plagues such as the Great Southern White (Ascia monuste orseis) and the Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella).