DuPont’s corn, soybean seeds gets Canadas OK

Date:09-04-2009

DuPont Co. has received Canadian regulatory approval for its Optimum GAT trait in corn and soybean seeds.

The company said the Canadian government approved the seeds, which are genetically modified to resist weed killers, for cultivation, animal feed and food.

DuPont is developing Optimum GAT to compete with Monsanto Co.s Roundup Ready trait, which helps crops resist glyphosate, an herbicide.

DuPont says Optimum GAT also gives protection against another class of weed killers.

The company has received U.S. approval for Optimum GAT soybeans and expects approval for Optimum GAT corn in the coming months, although the planned commercial introduction of the corn trait has been pushed back because of regulatory delays in export markets.