NEW TECH FOODS

BASF, Corteva Agriscience and MS Technologies have signed a trait licensing agreement to introduce BASF’s nematode-resistant soybean (NRS) trait into Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybean varieties for farmers in Brazil.

The NRS trait is the first biotechnology-based solution for controlling root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and soybean cyst nematodes, both of which can significantly reduce yields. BASF said the trait has shown over 90% control of root lesion nematodes in more than 160 field trials conducted over seven years.

Adolfo Vitorio Ulbrich, regional R&D seeds director at BASF Agricultural Solutions in Latin America, said: “This novel trait has demonstrated more than 90% control of root lesion nematodes in more than 160 field trials over the past seven years. We are excited to cooperate with Corteva and MS Technologies to bring to Brazilian farmers the first commercially available biotechnology trait for soybeans to provide a critical management tool against nematodes.”

Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides, offering multiple weed control options. Conkesta E3 soybeans also include two Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1Ac) for caterpillar pest management.

“We’re pleased about the opportunity to combine our Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybean technology with the NRS trait from BASF to offer growers across Brazil a critical new tool to help protect against Pratylenchus brachyurus and soybean cyst nematode,” commented Christian Pflug, licensing director for Brazil and Paraguay at Corteva.

Joe Merschman, president of MS Technologies, added: “Pairing Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 genetics from M.S. Technologies with this new NRS trait developed by BASF represents a step change in value protection for soybean growers in South America.”

Commercial varieties combining the NRS trait with Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybeans are expected to be available in Brazil by the end of the decade or early next decade, pending regulatory reviews and field testing.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.