Biotech Updates

Drought Tolerant Corn out in 2013 in Western Great Plains

September 12, 2012

Corn farmers in Western Great Plains will have a new tool for addressing drought in the 2013 planting season, with the introduction of drought tolerant corn Monsanto's Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids developed by Monsanto. The drought tolerant corn was developed through selection of germplasm combined with drought tolerant biotechnology trait and agronomic recommendations. Aside from the ability to survive in drought, the corn plant also exhibits improved hydro-efficiency to ensures conservation of soil moisture and reduces yield loss from drought conditions.

Some 250 farmers participated in the large scale testing program for the product to get the first-hand experience of DroughtGard hybrids. "Early results from our Ground Breakers trials this year are encouraging," said Mark Edge from Monsanto. "Harvest is just getting started in many areas throughout the Western Great Plains, and Ground Breakers farmers in Central Texas and Eastern Kansas are seeing an up to 6 bushel advantage over competitor hybrids. We believe DroughtGard Hybrids will become an important tool for farmers to help mitigate yield loss caused by drought stress."

Read the media release at http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/genuity-droughtgard-hybrids-2013.