Des Moines, Iowa
November 15, 2006
A review of historical U.S.
soybean yield gains confirms that new molecular breeding tools
are increasing the pace at which farmers can increase the amount
of soybeans harvested from an acre.
Researchers at DuPont
subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred
International, Inc., found that yields of Pioneer® brand
soybean varieties developed with proprietary genetic markers
improved yield three times faster than the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) industry average.
"The data clearly demonstrates that genetic markers have
incredible potential to increase soybean yields at accelerated
rates," said John Soper, Pioneer soybean research director.
"They are going to go a long way in helping growers produce
enough soybeans for new food, fuel and industrial applications."
The study compared key Pioneer® brand soybean varieties
developed using molecular marker technology with soybean
varieties developed without molecular markers, then compared the
respective yield increases against USDA industry data over the
past 30 years.
Varieties developed with molecular markers averaged yield
increases of 1.4 bushels per acre per year during the past seven
years, beginning with the first year of introduction.
Non-Marker-Assisted Selection Pioneer varieties improved yields
over a 10-year period at a rate of 0.5 bushels per acre per
year, while USDA soybean yield figures show yields grow at a
rate of 0.4 bushels per acre per year.
"The study confirmed what our customers have been telling us
with their purchasing decisions," said Soper. "Pioneer is
outpacing the competition for soybean yield increases while
improving the defensive trait characteristics of its lineup."
 An
early adopter of molecular breeding techniques, Pioneer has
improved its industry-leading U.S. soybean market share by six
points in the past five years.
Molecular markers allow plant breeders to screen millions of
plants for genes that already exist within the plant and
contribute to increased yield potential and stability. Only
plants that carry the key traits are used to develop new
products.
Pioneer increased soybean yields in the past 10 years by
focusing on traits that made the plants resistant to pests and
diseases -- soybean cyst nematode, Phytophthora and brown stem
rot -- that kept the varieties from yielding to their full
potential.
Marker technology was utilized in the development of Pioneer®
brand soybean variety 94M80, the soybean variety that broke the
world soybean yield record this year. The Missouri Soybean
Association announced yesterday that Missouri farmer Kip Cullers
achieved a 139 bushel per acre yield, setting a new world
record.
In addition to new markers for other pests and agronomic traits,
the company is employing markers to develop varieties for
specific end-uses like its Treus™ oil from low linolenic
soybeans for improved cardiovascular health. The company is also
applying the technology to develop new corn hybrids and seed for
other crops.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont,
is the world's leading source of customized solutions for
farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors.
With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access
to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and
quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
® Registered trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc. |
