July 30, 2003

A new generation cotton production system today received approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

Monsanto’s ‘Bollgard II’ is now ready for commercial release and will supersede ‘INGARD’ cotton which, according to CSIRO, more than halved in-crop pesticide applications after being released as Australia’s first biotechnology crop in 1996.

While INGARD contained a single novel gene producing a natural endotoxin protein for the control of Helicoverpa moth, Bollgard II has two genes acting to control the insect pest. This will allow insecticide applications to drop further while protecting against the threat of insects developing resistance.

“INGARD’s in-built protection slashed pesticide use, but its planting was capped at 30 per cent of the crop area to manage the risk of insects developing resistance,” Monsanto Australia Cotton Business Manager, Roger Boyce explained.

“To build an almost unbreakable defence against resistance and extend the financial and environmental benefits of biotech cotton to a greater proportion of Australia’s crop, Monsanto developed Bollgard II, with two genetic insect control mechanisms.

“More than 95 per cent of farmers are planting INGARD and with today’s approval for Bollgard II they will be able to increase their use of biotech cotton to 40 per cent of their crop this year and more for the 2003/2004 season.”

The APVMA approval means NSW and most Queensland growers can plant the new variety in the growing season commencing in August. After the success of INGARD, Bollgard II is expected to be widely adopted across the 500,000 ha of cotton typically planted in these areas.

Cotton grower, John Watson of Boggabri near Gunnedah, NSW, planted INGARD cotton to reduce pesticide use in sensitive areas, such as adjacent to neighbours, roads and rivers and he expected to cut pesticide use further by adopting Bollgard II.

“INGARD is good, but we needed some spraying to control other bugs. I had 50 ha of Bollgard II on my farm as part of Monsanto’s trials in 2002 and we plan to increase that area now that it is available commercially,” he said.