The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the
registration of Bollgard insect-protected cotton technology
developed by Monsanto
Company (NYSE: MON) through the 2009 growing season.
“Extension of this registration ensures cotton farmers will
continue to have access to Bollgard cotton varieties as they
transition to second-generation Bollgard II insect
protection. Bollgard II offers better insect control than
Bollgard and greatly reduces the chance of insect
resistance,” says Matt Renkoski, Monsanto Cotton Marketing
Lead. “This transition began in 1998 when Monsanto made
Bollgard II available to Delta & Pine Land and then to other
cottonseed companies to incorporate in their leading cotton
varieties.”
Current registrations for Bollgard and Bollgard II expire in
September 2006. Monsanto has made separate requests to EPA
to extend registrations for both insect-resistant
technologies. EPA is expected to announce its decision on
the extension of Bollgard II registration later this year.
Bollgard II contains two different insect-control genes,
compared to the single insect-control gene in its
predecessor Bollgard, and provides growers with benefits
such as a broader spectrum of insect control and increased
defense against the development of insect resistance.
Cotton farmers first planted Bollgard in 1996, and Bollgard
II has been on the market since 2003. Monsanto licenses both
traits to cottonseed companies to use in leading cotton
varieties.
This extension of Bollgard registration requires the
continuation of key stewardship practices, including the
comprehensive insect resistance management (IRM) program for
Bollgard cotton.
Monsanto Company is a leading global
provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural
products that improve farm productivity and food quality.