01/17/2017
MS Technologies™ and Bayer receive Chinese approval for Balance™ GT soybeans
Balance™ GT Soybean Performance System to provide long-lasting residual control with reactivation technology
West Point, IA — MS Technologies™ has received import approval from China for the company's upcoming Balance™ GT soybeans. The new Balance™ GT Soybean Performance System is a collaboration with Bayer that will combine industry-leading genetics with a double herbicide-tolerant trait that will confer tolerance to glyphosate and isoxaflutole, the active ingredient in the new Balance® Bean herbicide. The Balance™ GT Soybean Performance System will benefit soybean growers by providing high-yielding genetics and protection against a variety of broadleaf weeds and grasses.
This is a significant milestone in the Balance™ GT approval process, moving the new soybean trait closer to commercialization for our soybean producers. Balance™ GT has already received approvals from critical countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the European Union and the United States. Balance® Bean herbicide is pending EPA registration. The Balance™ GT Soybean Performance System will not be commercially available until the system has received all required regulatory approvals.
“We are thrilled to have received approval from China — a key country in the process of bringing this technology to the market. Balance™ GT will truly improve the future of farming through its high-yielding genetics and control over glyphosate-resistant weeds,” said Joseph Merschman, president of MS Technologies™.
MS Technologies™ and Bayer have been collaborating for more than a decade to commercialize new herbicide-tolerant technologies for soybeans, starting with the LibertyLink® system in 2009. Balance™ GT will mark the second collaboration for the two companies and will provide a strong alternative to current weed management options.
Balance™ GT will be broadly licensed throughout North America. In upcoming years, Balance™ GT is expected to evolve into a triple-stacked herbicide-tolerant soybean, Balance™ GTLL, providing tolerance to glyphosate, Balance® Bean and Liberty® (glufosinate-ammonium).
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.