August 3, 2010

Monsanto to introduce aphid-tolerant soy in 2011

Monsanto will introduce new Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soy varieties with aphid tolerance in 2011 designed to help protect soy yields from these damaging pests.

Since their identification in 2000, soy aphids have become a major pest in soy fields throughout the Northern US. When left untreated, these insects can multiply rapidly and cause significant yield losses. They feed on the sap of the soy, leaving behind stunted, curled soy plants which lead to reduced pod set and seed size. Feeding also potentially transmits harmful viral diseases.

"Monsanto's new aphid-tolerant soy will be introduced initially in maturity groups I and II in the upper Midwest, the areas where aphid populations are typically the highest," said Aaron Robinson, Monsanto soy traits technical manager.

Aphid tolerance is conferred by the native Rag1 gene, which was discovered by soy plant breeders at the University of Illinois. The new Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield aphid tolerant varieties will be available with Acceleron insecticide/fungicide seed treatment products, which provide protection against early-season diseases and insects, including soy aphids, adding an additional layer of protection for more complete aphid control.

"Research trials have shown that these aphid tolerant varieties treated with Acceleron seed treatment products delayed aphid population development by two weeks in environments with high aphid populations," Robinson said.