Dow granted US patent for second Enlist trait

Dow AgroSciences has announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 8,283,522, covering crop plants containing another of Dow AgroSciences’ innovative class of herbicide-tolerant traits. The patented trait has shown exceptional promise for use in soybeans and cotton as it conveys robust tolerance to broadleaf herbicides such as 2,4-D, and enables new uses of other proven broad-spectrum herbicides against herbicide-resistant weeds.

The company was previously granted U.S. Patent No. 7,838,733, covering a proprietary herbicide-tolerant trait useful in corn and other monocot plants. Both traits are part of the company’s highly anticipated Enlist™ Weed Control System that is currently pending regulatory approvals. Enlist is a next-generation system that combines innovative traits, novel herbicides and stewardship to deliver the weed control that farmers need now.

In addition to its U.S. patents, Dow AgroSciences has filed for patent protection in major crop growing countries around the world. Its patent filings are expected to provide protection for crops containing the trait, methods for controlling glyphosate-resistant weeds, and uses of the trait in combination with 2,4-D as well as other broad-spectrum and selective herbicides.

"This patent illustrates the robust intellectual property Dow AgroSciences has developed as we work to provide our customers with solutions to pressing weed control problems,” says Joe Vertin, global business leader, Enlist Weed Control System, Dow AgroSciences. “Our leadership in weed management, including herbicide-tolerance technology, will advance agriculture.”