Upcoming Seed Options
The following information is bonus material from Top Producer. It corresponds with the article "Big Fat Deal” by Pam Smith in the January 2009 issue.
Industry Updates for 2009 Seed Options
For 2009, there will be 250 Monsanto Vistive Low-Lin varieties offered by 27 different seed brands.
Pioneer will add three new "Y Series” low-lin soybean products in its lineup for 2009. John Muenzenberger, Pioneer senior business manager of soybean output traits, says growers will also find low-lin varieties with a good range of defensive traits.
The next trait in the oil pipeline is soybeans with increased levels of oleic acid. While low-linolenic oil works well for snack foods and light frying, increased oleics are needed for dressings, margarines and baking. Asoyia's new-generation variety contains a minimum of 50% oleic acid and a maximum of 1% linolenic acid.
The Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance is on-track for limited introduction of a high-oleic soybean in 2009 that will contain 90% to 90% oleic acid, 3% linolenic acid and 12% saturated fat.
Monsanto's Vistive III is in Phase 3 of development (1 to 2 years to commercialization). It contains the 3% linolenic acid and adds a 50% oleic acid minimum and a low saturated fat profile. It will be stacked with Roundup Ready 2 Yield.
-- Pam Henderson
