March 7, 2008

Monsanto, Divergence announce completion of soy cyst nematode genome

Monsanto and Divergence announced yesterday that they have completed the most comprehensive sequence of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) genome, making it the first available draft of the organism's genome.

SCN attacks roots of soy during the growing season and is the most economically damaging pest for US soy production. It is estimated that SCN annually causes approximately US$1 billion of yield loss to the US soy harvest.

Steve Padgette, Monsanto vice president of biotechnology, said as global demand for soy protein increases, it is critical that companies evaluate and invest in novel approaches to combat the yield-robbing pest so farmers can get more yield out of every acre.

Both companies announced that the genome sequence will be made available to the public via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

NCBI creates public databases that house information like genome sequences to facilitate better understanding of molecular processes. The companies believe the sharing of this data, subject to Monsanto and Divergence intellectual property rights, will be an important step forward in research on this parasite.

Monsanto and Divergence entered into a collaborative relationship in 2004 to discover novel approaches for controlling SCN, and extended the relationship in 2007.

Monsanto scientists worked together with Divergence to sequence the SCN genome as part of this collaboration.

Monsanto is a global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Divergence is dedicated to the discovery of effective and ecologically sound strategies for the control of parasites and other pests. The company's initial focus is on parasitic nematodes, one of the world's major pest groups.