Products like Vistive III will enable Monsanto to create soybeans that produce an oil with the functionality of olive oil, while still retaining the economics of soybean production. More on the presentation Graphic: Monsanto

Monsanto expressed satisfaction over its current GM portfolio and confidence over the success of its R&D pipelines at a recent presentation given to investors this month.

Emphasis was placed on the collaboration between Monsanto and BASF aimed at developing higher-yielding crops that are more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions such as drought.  In the last four to five months, 1000 genes have been evaluated, 80% of which were yield-increasing and drought-tolerant – a result that is ‘more than we would have thought’, said Rob Fraley, chief technology officer at Monsanto.

Also highlighted were three blockbuster products that Monsanto expects to become highly successful: drought-tolerant maize, nitrogen replenishing maize and broad-acre, higher yielding soybeans.

Monsanto is currently in its second year of testing drought-tolerant genes in South America and has achieved yield benefits of up to 12 bushels/ acre.  Also being tested in South America, higher yielding soybeans have achieved yield benefits of 7-10% over the nearest competitor. 

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