Print This PageFirst-generation Drought-tolerant Corn
For several years, Monsanto scientists have focused on discovering and developing direct drought-tolerant traits through the use of breeding and biotech.
In the fourth-annual R&D pipeline update, the company’s drought-tolerant corn – the first-ever biotech crop with that trait – moved into Phase 4, the last phase before commercialization. This phase includes development and testing of the best trait and germplasm combinations for commercial launch.
Drought, in agricultural terms, is defined as a situation where the amount of moisture in the soil does not meet the needs of a particular crop. While most farmers see drought-stress to some degree, moderate to severe drought can significantly limit yield and lead to tremendous losses.
Some facts about water use in agriculture and drought in the United States:*
- From 1984 to 1992, 67 percent of major crop losses were due to drought
- About 6,800 gallons of water are required to grow a day’s food for a family of four
- Irrigated agriculture remains the dominant use of fresh water in the United States
- National irrigated cropland area has expanded by about 40% since 1969
With water availability already a major issue in several parts of the world and expected to worsen in coming years, it is more important now than ever before that farmers have a tool to combat the impact of water shortage on their crops.
Corn is widely grown in the United States, from the central Corn Belt to the Western Great Plains, but its yield potential is directly related to the amount of available water.
Roughly 85 percent of corn grown in the U.S. suffers from varying degrees of drought during the growing season. The crop is particularly vulnerable during the tasseling, silking and early grain-filling periods.
In 2003, Monsanto successfully completed a test that demonstrated that some of the genes in its genomics discovery program could enhance the drought tolerance of corn hybrids. These observations of enhanced yield and plant health were confirmed with greater precision in 2004 and 2005.
The product then underwent rigorous performance and quality testing.
During field trials last year in the Western Great Plains, drought-tolerant corn showed a six to 10 percent yield enhancement – a gain of 7-10 bushels on an average of 70-130 bushels per acre.
The first drought-tolerance trait in corn was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December for review. Further submissions to the USDA and to other importing countries will be made in the coming months. This first trait is the beginning of a multi-stage program of improvements toward enhancing yield stability and consistency.
In general, the drought-tolerance gene works by mitigating the impact of low soil-moisture content on the plant’s physiology. In response to inadequate water, corn plants typically begin to shut down their metabolism, slowing photosynthesis and growth-rate. The lead gene we have submitted for regulatory approval enables the corn plant to maintain metabolism for a longer period of time during drought stress. Ongoing efficacy and quality testing has shown that when used according to the product’s specifications, the crop experiences no negative impact in conditions of adequate moisture.
Beyond the Great Plains, Monsanto’s drought-tolerant technology is expected to also help improve on-farm productivity in other parts of the world – like Africa – where rainfall is insufficient or irregular.
Monsanto’s drought-tolerant technology shows promise to give corn crops worldwide a better opportunity to achieve their yield potential.
Click here for forward looking language statement (.pdf 142K)
*Source: Natural Resources Conservation Services and USDA
