DuPont Receives Optimum GAT Soybean Trait Approval

“The Optimum GAT trait, combined with our industry-leading genetics and other complementary technologies, will help soybean farmers maximize yields and give them a new level of weed control flexibility.

21/07/08 DuPont has received U.S. regulatory approval of its proprietary herbicide tolerance trait, the Optimum GAT trait in soybeans -- bringing the company a step closer to further extending the performance advantage of its Pioneer brand soybean seed.

“This milestone brings an innovative technology closer to farmers’ fields,” said Jim Borel, DuPont group vice president. “The Optimum GAT trait, combined with our industry-leading genetics and other complementary technologies, will help soybean farmers maximize yields and give them a new level of weed control flexibility. The U.S. regulatory approval of the Optimum GAT trait in soybeans is key to DuPont efforts to increase soybean yields by 40 percent over the next 10 years.”

DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred recently launched its new high-yielding Y Series soybean varieties for 2009. The entire line has demonstrated a five percent yield advantage against key competitor varieties with some varieties yielding six to ten percent better than competitors. These top-performing new varieties were developed with exclusive Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT) and will serve as a strong platform for the Optimum GAT trait.