Agricultural Company Working to Develop Drought-Tolerant Crops
For years, scientists and researchers have worked to develop new foods and technologies in an effort to advance agricultural biotechnology. I’ve encountered similar projects like these over the years in my work as a grant researcher for a large university. That’s why I was very interested in reading about the efforts of a leading agricultural company to help in the production of genetically modified crops. The company is developing a technology that would produce drought-tolerant crops (Monsanto develops Drought Tolerance, CheckBiotech, 11/9/05).
Monsanto, a St. Louis, Missouri-based provider of agricultural products and solutions, has identified and developed genes that enable crops to grow in areas where even water is scarce. According to news reports, the implications for areas with severe drought are obvious, but the technology also would reduce the need for irrigation and conserve fresh water.
According to Dr. Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s Chief Technology Officer, this new technology is as significant as any new product the company has developed.
“Of all the fresh water that’s used around the world today, 70 percent of it goes into farming,” Dr. Fraley explained, and “the value of water is only going to escalate.”
Monsanto’s early testing of drought-tolerant corn, which is currently in the first of four phases, shows an average increase of 20 bushels an acre. By comparison, the company’s YieldGard Corn Borer protection increases products by six or seven bushels, on average, and its YieldGard Rootworm adds 10 to 14 bushels an acre.
According to reports, the company is also working on drought-tolerant genes for cotton, soybeans, and canola, in addition to corn. According to Dr. Fraley, Monsanto is not only testing these concepts in multiple crops, but are also evaluating multiple genes. He said the company currently has over 30 genes that researchers are evaluating.
Monsanto expects its drought-tolerant technology will be in commercial production as early as 2010. According to news reports, some of Monsanto’s competitors are also working on developing drought-tolerant technology, including DuPont and its Pioneer division.
Experts agree that this new technology will have a huge impact, but feel that the key issue is what is going to happen in the Third World countries.
“If those countries are willing to go the biotech route, then this is going to create a substantial amount of value,” said Dr. Jackson Nickerson, a professor at Washington University’s Olin School of Business.
The drought-tolerant technology that Monsanto is currently developing holds tremendous promise for the future of biotechnology and genetically engineered foods. With the harsh conditions in developing nations, this new technology can help grow essential foods needed to feed a growing population. The drought-tolerant technology can, as I’ve already mentioned, lessen the need for irrigation and conserve fresh water, which could ease the fears that environmentalists have about biotechnology. Although the commercialization of this technology is four or five years down the road, progress should continue. This technology will be a benefit for the farmer, the consumer, and for the betterment of the world.
Comments
Great blog!
Posted by: ForunaTi | August 25, 2006 7:27 AM
Thanks for the information
Posted by: Frinas | August 30, 2006 9:43 PM