Monsanto to launch new corn seed on market by 2010

Monsanto Co. said Monday the commercial launch for SmartStax, a new corn seed more resistant to pests and weeds, remains on track.

The company has submitted documents and research data for SmartStax to the Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

Monsanto, which has been developing and marketing the product with Dow AgroSciences, intends for the product to be out to the US market by 2010.

Carl Casale, executive vice president of Monsanto's strategy and operations, said the SmartStax hybrid system could provide an estimated yield benefit of an additional four to 10 percent on the farm.

The product is designed to control corn pests above and below ground; including Western corn rootworms, corn earworm and black cutworm, Monsanto said.