BASF, Corteva Agriscience, and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. announced a trait licensing agreement to introduce BASF’s novel nematode-resistant soybean (NRS) trait with Enlist E3® and Conkesta E3® soybeans to Brazilian farmers. The NRS trait represents the first biotech solution to effectively control root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and soybean cyst nematodes—microscopic pests that are notoriously difficult to manage and can significantly reduce soybean yields.
“This novel trait has demonstrated more than 90% control of root lesion nematodes in more than 160 field trials over the past seven years,” said Adolfo Vitorio Ulbrich, Regional R&D Seeds Director at BASF Agricultural Solutions in Latin America. “We are excited to cooperate with Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. to bring to Brazilian farmers the first commercially available biotechnology trait for soybeans to provide a critical management tool against nematodes.”
The Enlist® weed control system is a leading solution for soybeans, corn, and cotton. Enlist E3® soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate, and glufosinate, providing growers with more options to manage resistant and hard-to-control weeds. Conkesta E3® soybeans add two Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1Ac) to control major caterpillar pests, offering a tailored crop protection solution for farmers in Latin America, according to a press release.
“We’re pleased about the opportunity to combine our Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybean technology with the nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait from BASF to offer growers across Brazil a critical new tool to help protect against Pratylenchus brachyurus and soybean cyst nematode,” said Christian Pflug, Licensing Director, Brazil and Paraguay, Corteva.
The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.
“Since the beginning, M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. has been focused on developing the industry’s highest-performing soybean genetics,” said Joe Merschman, president of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. “Pairing Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 genetics from M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. with this new NRS trait developed by BASF represents a step change in value protection for soybean growers in South America.”
BASF, Corteva, and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. expect commercial soybean varieties featuring BASF’s innovative NRS trait in Enlist E3® and Conkesta E3® soybeans to be available to Brazilian farmers by the end of this decade or early next, pending regulatory approvals and completion of field trials. Expansion to additional countries may also be possible.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
