Dow Submits SmartStax For Review
17 June 2008 Dow AgroSciences stacked corn trait combination for corn has been submitted for regulatory approval in the US and Japan. SmartStax combines insect protection and weed control through the first ever eight-stack gene combination in corn.
The eight-gene stack features multiple modes of action to control both above and below ground insects, and confers herbicide tolerance. The combination of these traits is designed to improve insect protection, expand herbicide application options, and minimize the potential for insect resistance, according to Dow.
Currently, US corn growers are required to plant a "structured refuge," or plot of corn that does not use the same Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) technology near corn acres that have in-plant Bt protection. However, data collected for the submission of SmartStax indicates that its multiple modes of action require less of a refuge environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submission for SmartStax seeks a reduction from the refuge area required for the Bt corn products currently on the market.
Dow will offer SmartStax through its Mycogen and Triumph Seed brands, and will use the trait platform to launch future trait technologies including Dow Herbicide Tolerance (DHT) and other agronomic enhancements. DHT is a new family of traits that will provide tolerance to 2,4-D and other classes of herbicides. SmartStax is being jointly developed and registered by Dow and Monsanto. SmartStax is on track to become commercially available for the 2010 growing season in the US, pending regulatory approvals.
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