GM crops in the USA: Competition for RoundupReady soybeans

 (28 January 2009) In 2009, a second genetically modified soybean will enter the US-American market. When this occurs, farmers will receive for the first time an alternative to the RoundupReady soybean from Monsanto that has been cultivated since 1996. With the new LibertyLink soybean, even weeds may be fought for which Roundup no longer is effective.

The soybean was developed by Bayer CropScience and displays tolerance to herbicides (compounds used to combat weeds) with the active agent glufosinate. According to statements by a spokesperson, the company has produced a quantity that may be used for the sowing of approximately 400,000 hectares. Eight-five seed companies will offer new varieties with LibertyLink technology.

To date, Monsanto has had virtually no competition to its RoundupReady soybean, which is tolerant to another herbicidal agent known as glyphosate. The concept of GM soybeans and an appropriately tailored, i.e. 'complementary' herbicide allows economical combat of weeds. After market introduction in 1996, the cultivation area of this bean has risen steadily: in 2008, RoundupReady soybeans were cultivated on approximately 27 million hectares in the USA. This represents 92 per cent of American soy production.

Since that time, an increasing number of weeds have appeared that have developed a tolerance to Roundup herbicides and therefore no longer may be controlled with these compounds. Such weeds have been observed in 19 states of the USA. Particularly in these regions, the LibertyLink system has the advantage of being effective against all significant weeds that occur in the cultivation of soybeans. Regular alternation between both systems may delay considerably the appearance of tolerant weeds.

LibertyLink soybeans – event code A2704-12 – have been approved for cultivation in the USA and Canada for several years. Numerous countries, such as China, Japan, Russia, Australia and Mexico approve the import of the beans, as well as of food and feed that have been produced from them. Since September 2008, this also has been the case in the European Union.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• USA 2008: GM cultivation almost at 60 million hectares
• GMO database: Soybean A2704-12