Bayer and MS Technologies receive approval for FG72 x LL55 soybean technology in EU

Food and Feed approval from EU - 2019 launch planned; new market leading genetics combine outstanding yields with tolerance to glufosinate (Liberty), glyphosate and isoxaflutole herbicides, delivering the most effective weed management solutions to soybean growers.

Bayer and MS Technologies™ have achieved a milestone on their path to delivering increased yield and enhanced weed control solutions for soybean growers. The FG72 x LL55 herbicide tolerant trait stack received a positive scientific opinion from EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which was subsequently accepted by the European Commission for the importation of FG72 x LL55 soybeans for food and feed uses. This follows receipt of approvals already from the U.S., Canada, and Brazil for cultivation.

"Weed control system flexibility and the ability to manage weeds have become increasingly important to soybean growers; this solution will really occupy a unique space," says Joseph Merschman, MS Technologies. "This product combines two highly effective and commercially available herbicide tolerance traits and packages them in industry leading, top-tier genetics to achieve exceptional weed control and yield."

FG72 x LL55 confers tolerance to glufosinate (Liberty®), glyphosate and isoxaflutole (an HPPD inhibitor) herbicides and is intended to be an important tool for soybean growers to achieve effective, durable weed control. FG72 x LL55 will build on the LibertyLink® foundation with increased yield performance through market leading genetics, plus a differentiated, best-in-class new mode of action (isoxaflutole) for use in soybeans that delivers burndown and residual control. The first launch is planned for the U.S. in 2019.

"Finding the right balance of controlling weeds and managing herbicide resistance continues to be one of the biggest challenges soybean farmers face," said Frank Terhorst, Global Head of Seeds for Bayer. "Gaining approval from the European Commission is a crucial next step in our efforts to provide innovative solutions to farmers worldwide, and we are looking forward to soon getting additional import approvals to meet our 2019 launch."

FG72, also known as Balance™ GT, is owned by MS Technologies and was co-developed and is being marketed through a joint development agreement between MS Technologies and Bayer.

The LL55 event and LibertyLink are owned by Bayer.

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

FG72 x LL55 is expected to be one of the key triple 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 registration from the US Environmental Protection Agency, is expected to be an 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 herbicide available.