Optimum GAT, a herbicide tolerance (HT) trait developed by DuPont, has picked up full regulatory approval from the federal government for use of its trait in corn and soybeans for both feed and food.
Optimum GAT is the first agricultural trait developed through DuPont’s proprietary “gene shuffling” technology, the company said in a release Tuesday.
The trait will “enable new herbicide options that will provide broader spectrum weed control without compromising crop safety,” the company said.
“The Optimum GAT trait, combined with our industry-leading genetics and other complementary technologies, will help growers maximize yields and allow noticeably cleaner fields through harvest,” DuPont vice-president Paul Schickler said in the release.
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“The Canadian regulatory approval of the Optimum GAT trait in corn and soybeans brings Pioneer closer to offering more technologies to farmers’ fields.”
DuPont’s seed business, Pioneer Hi-Bred, has already got U.S. approval in hand for Optimum GAT trait in soybeans. The company said it anticipates U.S. approval of the same trait in corn in “coming months.”
DuPont said it’s also pursuing regulatory approvals in “key” export markets around the world for both Optimum GAT soybeans and corn.
