08/21/2013
Bayer CropScience and MS Technologies Receive Approval for Balance GT Soybean Technology in the United States
Cultivation approval from USDA - mid-decade launch planned with a new mode of action: tolerance to isoxaflutole and glyphosate herbicides
Research Triangle Park, N.C. (PRWEB) August 21, 2013
Bayer CropScience and MS Technologies LLC have achieved a milestone on their path to delivering new solutions for soybean farmers. The dual herbicide tolerance trait Balance™ GT (Event FG72) has received cultivation approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This step follows approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approvals already received for cultivation, food and feed uses in Canada, and import in Australia/New Zealand.
This technology confers tolerance to both isoxaflutole (an HPPD inhibitor) and glyphosate herbicides and is intended to be an important tool for weed control and resistance management. The first launch is planned for the US in mid-decade, pending regulatory approvals. Balance GT is owned by MS Technologies and will be commercialized by them.
“The well-known herbicide Balance has been used in corn production successfully for several years. The new Balance GT Soybean Performance System is intended to address the weed management challenges faced by soybean farmers,” said Frank Terhorst, head of the Seeds business unit of Bayer CropScience. “Farmers will benefit from effective cross-spectrum weed control and an excellent weed resistance management tool. We are pleased with the progress we are making on the regulatory front for Balance GT.”
”Resistance to herbicides is a global challenge demanding new solutions. The dual modes of action in Balance GT soybeans are intended to help soybean farmers improve their efficiency and flexibility in weed management,” said Joseph Merschman, president of MS Technologies. “We are well on track to deliver this technology in high-yielding, best-in-class soybean varieties developed by MS Technologies.”
Bayer and MS Technologies have been collaborating since 2007 with new herbicide tolerance technologies for soybeans.
Currently, more than 90 percent of soybeans grown in the US are genetically modified and tolerant to either glyphosate or glufosinate (LibertyTM) herbicides. Balance GT is expected to be one of the first dual-herbicide tolerant products for soybeans on the market in the U.S. and an important alternative to current solutions.
Bayer: Science For A Better Life
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2016, the Group employed around 99,600 people and had sales of EUR 34.9 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.2 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.4 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. Bayer’s rights in this technology are part of the portfolio of products globally which are indicated to be part of the divestment package of Bayer Seeds & Traits assets to BASF upon successful finalization of the processes needed for Bayer to complete acquisition of Monsanto.
About MS Technologies®
MS Technologies® LLC is a leading trait, technology and soybean genetics provider. MS Technologies® features a portfolio of in-house traits, as well as wide access to other traits and technologies through collaborative agreements with other parties. For more information on MS Technologies®, visit our website at www.mstechseed.com.