Monsanto To Launch 2nd Generation Of RR Soybeans

Following the strong performance of Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans in the Midwest last year, many Southern farmers are eagerly looking forward to the introduction of this second-generation soybean technology in the South in 2010. Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield enables the same dependable, flexible weed control as Roundup Ready soybeans, but with even higher yield potential.

"Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans were developed through extensive gene mapping that allows Monsanto to identify specific DNA regions within a soybean that have a positive impact on yield," explains Dion McBay, Monsanto U.S. traits marketing lead. "Using advanced insertion and selection technologies, the Roundup Ready 2 Yield gene is situated into one of these DNA regions to provide higher yield potential."

Advertisement

McBay adds that the Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield products introduced in the Midwest for 2009 have demonstrated a step-change increase in yield potential over first-generation Roundup Ready soybeans. 2008 field trials and seed production fields showed substantial increases in yield despite a less-than-optimal production year. This increased yield potential is partly attributed to more beans per pod observed with Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield plants compared to the first-generation technology. "This higher number of three-bean pods contributes to more beans per plant and therefore higher yield and profit potential," McBay says.

Top Articles
Best Agriculture Apps for 2024 (Update)

Many Midwestern farmers who grew Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield production seed last season say they are impressed with how the technology performed. "In terms of yield, the Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield production beans were some of our best beans," says Mike Olson, of Shirley, IL. "We were very happy with the way they yielded and now know they are going to outyield first-generation Roundup Ready beans by far."

Southern production seed growers like Hal Bateman of Columbia, NC, are also expecting great things from their first crops of Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield brand soybeans. "When you plant the latest and greatest technology, it helps your bottom line," Bateman says. "You’ve got to keep improving if you want to be in this business."

Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield will be available in 2010 in some of the largest soybean producing areas of the South. Farmers in these areas will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of the technology on their farms. Similar to Midwestern farmers who are planting Roundup Ready 2 Yield this season. It will be available in high yielding varieties offered by Asgrow brand soybeans, Monsanto’s American Seeds, Inc. (ASI) brands, and other regional seed brands.

0
Advertisement