Monsanto estimates that 30% of South African maize is at risk of failing because of drought

Trials for drought-resistant maize are to begin soon in South Africa, says Monsanto, which has invested R120 million (US$17.8 million) in the project.  

The company has estimated that 30% of South African maize is at risk of failing because of drought. Monsanto adds that over 55% of all maize planted for next year’s harvest will be genetically modified, with this figure expected to rise to 75% in the following years. Plans are also underway to transfer the technology into soybeans and cotton, with these expected to be on the market early in the next decade.
By Simon Varcoe

> Not a subscriber? Subscribe

MORE NEWS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

DuPont and Evogene in drought tolerance collaboration
BASF to develop nutritional oil crops
BASF’s GM blight-resistant potatoes
Monsanto trials drought-resistant maize
Bayer & Cellectis collaborate on gene technology