Dow AgroSciences, M.S. Technologies submit for approval first-ever GM soybean

Dow AgroSciences and M.S. Technologies announced a collaborative submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the approval of the first-ever, three-gene herbicide-tolerant soybean.

"Dow AgroSciences continues to break new ground in both trait and herbicide technologies, and this soybean submission illustrates how our company continues to raise the bar for our entire industry in innovation”. This new soybean event developed by the companies includes, for the first time, three herbicide tolerance genes stacked as part of a single genetic event in the soybean genome. These genes provide tolerance to Dow AgroSciences’ new 2,4-D product, glyphosate, and glufosinate, which combined make-up the Enlist™ Weed Control System.

"Dow AgroSciences continues to break new ground in both trait and herbicide technologies, and this soybean submission illustrates how our company continues to raise the bar for our entire industry in innovation,” said Antonio Galindez, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences. “For growers, this Dow AgroSciences scientific breakthrough will provide a new choice for the best traits in the best germplasm to enhance soybeans. For Dow AgroSciences, this technology significantly accelerates our growth and position in the soybean business and beyond.”

Specifically, the new Enlist system will provide growers with a more effective combination of herbicides, traits in elite seed genetics, and stewardship programs that partner with and improve leading weed control systems, resulting in exceptional flexibility, convenience, and value.

In addition to providing growers with a choice of glyphosate tolerant soybean products, the Enlist technology will give growers greater flexibility in using a new 2,4-D product. Growers will be able to plant immediately after product application, as compared to the delays currently required by 2,4-D labeling. Enlist will also offer growers a new tool to address glyphosate-resistant and hard-to-control weeds.

"M.S. Technologies is excited to partner with Dow AgroSciences on this innovative technology, which will set the new standard for weed control and yield performance in soybeans, allowing growers to maximize per acre profits,” said Joseph H. Merschman, president, M.S. Technologies.

Pending regulatory approvals, the trait package is expected to be available by mid-decade in Dow AgroSciences, M.S. Technologies and Mertec soybean varieties.