An innovative biotech soybean nematode resistance trait will be combined with leading herbicide and insect resistance traits to optimize yield
BASF, Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. announced that they have entered into a trait licensing agreement to bring BASF’s novel nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait with Enlist E3® soybeans and Conkesta E3® soybeans to farmers in Brazil. The NRS trait offers the first ever biotech solution for effectively managing root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and soybean cyst nematodes – difficult-to-control microscopic pests that damage soybeans and threaten yields.
“This novel trait has demonstrated more than 90% control of root lesion nematodes in more than 160 field trials over the past 7 years,” said Adolfo Vitorio Ulbrich, Director Regional R&D Seeds Director BASF Agricultural Solutions in Latin America. “We will cooperate with Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. to bring to Brazilian farmers the first commercially available biotechnology trait for soybeans to provide a critical management tool against nematodes.”
The Enlist® weed control system is an industry-leading system for soybeans, corn, and cotton. Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides, giving growers additional herbicide options to manage resistant and hard-to-control weeds. Conkesta E3 soybeans additionally incorporate two Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1Ac) for the management of the main caterpillar pests in soybean crops, a tailored option for farmers in Latin America.
“This is a opportunity to combine our Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybean technology with the nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait from BASF to offer growers across Brazil a critical new tool to help protect against Pratylenchus brachyurus and soybean cyst nematode,” said Christian Pflug, Licensing Director — Brazil & Paraguay, Corteva.
The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.
“Since the beginning, M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. has been focused on developing the industry’s highest-performing soybean genetics,” said Joe Merschman, president of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. “Pairing Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 genetics from M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. with this new NRS trait developed by BASF represents a step change in value protection for soybean growers in South America.”
BASF, Corteva, and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. anticipate that commercial varieties containing BASF`s innovative NRS trait in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans will be available to farmers in Brazil by the end of the decade or early next decade, pending applicable regulatory reviews and completion of field testing. Additional countries remain a possibility.
