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Corteva Agriscience, BASF partner on soybean weed control solution
September 1, 2022 By Top Crop Manager
Corteva Agriscience and BASF have embarked on a long-term collaboration to develop new soybean weed control solutions for farmers around the world. The two companies agreed to cross-license soybean traits, while developing complementary herbicide technologies, enabling both companies to offer innovative soybean weed management solutions.
The first market introduction is planned in North America with additional geographies to follow.
Corteva will combine a proprietary PPO (protoporphyrinogen oxidase) gene licensed from BASF with its portfolio of herbicide tolerant traits, including Corteva’s proprietary 2,4-D choline gene, to develop a new trait stack for soybeans. The stack will include tolerance to four herbicide modes of action, or distinct mechanisms to achieve control. Together they will provide a new option to help control the most problematic weeds. This herbicide tolerance stack is expected to be available in all Corteva seed brands. Corteva has licensed the stack to BASF for use in BASF seed brands and also anticipates licensing the trait stack to additional seed companies.
The new soybean trait stack coming from the cooperation will include tolerance to both Corteva and BASF herbicides: BASF’s Liberty (glufosinate-ammonium), Corteva’s Enlist herbicides (2,4-D choline with Colex-D® technology) and BASF’s PPO inhibiting herbicides, Kixor and Tirexor, as well as a new PPO inhibiting herbicide under development by BASF. The stack will also include tolerance to glyphosate. The agreement allows both companies the opportunity to recommend the other’s herbicide solutions to help ensure farmers have the tools best suited to effectively manage weeds.
The first launch of soybean varieties with the new trait stack is expected in the early 2030s in North America, pending regulatory reviews and completion of field testing. Both companies are exploring opportunities in additional regions where biotechnology crops are cultivated.
