AgroPages-Bayer and M.S. Technologies receive approval for Balance GT soybean technology in the EU-Agricultural news

Bayer and MS Technologies L.LC. have achieved a milestone on their path to delivering new solutions for soybean growers. The dual herbicide tolerance trait Balance™ GT (Event FG72) received a positive scientific opinion from EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was subsequently accepted by the European Commission for the importation of Balance™ GT soybeans for food and feed uses. This follows approvals received already from the U.S, Canada, and Brazil for cultivation, and is near completion of receiving all key required import approvals globally.

The Balance™ GT trait confers tolerance to both isoxaflutole (an HPPD inhibitor) and glyphosate herbicides and is intended to be an important tool for weed control and herbicide resistance management. The first launch is planned for the US in 2017, pending final key import approvals.

Balance™ GT is owned by MS Technologies and is being co-developed through a joint development agreement between MS Technologies and Bayer.

“The new Balance™ GT Soybean Performance System is intended to address the weed management challenges faced by soybean farmers,” said Frank Terhorst, head of the Seeds business unit of Bayer’s Crop Science division. “Farmers will benefit from effective cross-spectrum weed control and an excellent weed resistance management tool. We are pleased with the progress we are making on the regulatory front for Balance™ GT.”

“Resistance to herbicides is a global challenge demanding new solutions. The dual modes of action in Balance™ GT soybeans are intended to help soybean growers by providing flexibility in weed management,” said Joseph Merschman, president of M.S. Technologies. “We are well on track to deliver this technology in high-yielding, best-in-class soybean varieties developed by MS Technologies.”

Bayer and MS Technologies have been collaborating since 2007 with new herbicide tolerance technologies for soybeans.

Currently, more than 90 percent of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified and tolerant to either glyphosate or glufosinate (Liberty®) herbicides. Balance™ GT is expected to be one of the key dual-herbicide tolerant products for soybeans on the market in the U.S. and an important alternative to current herbicide options.

Balance® Bean is an isoxaflutole-based herbicide, which upon a registration is expected to be the first HPPDi (Group 27) herbicide available for use in soybeans. At this time Balance® Bean is not approved for use on soybeans. Upon registration of Balance® Bean, Bayer will make more information about the product available.