Australia
October 24, 2016
Australian cotton growers continue to live up to their reputation as the most innovative and advanced in the world, as they signal their intention to plant more than 95 per cent of this season’s crop to varieties containing new GM cotton technology, Bollgard1 3.
Monsanto Australia Managing Director, Tony May said the rate of adoption of Bollgard 3 is the fastest for a new GM cotton trait seen anywhere in the world. This is particularly remarkable given this is the first commercial season Bollgard 3 has been grown by Australian farmers – in fact the first time anywhere in the world.
"The rapid adoption of Bollgard 3 in its first year shows cotton growers are willing to put their trust in new technologies from Monsanto combined with high yielding CSD varieties that offer them a clear and compelling value proposition, right off the bat." Tony said.
Early planting intentions indicate a strong season ahead, with forecast hectares already 120,000 ahead than at the same point last season. Indications are the area planted to Bollgard 3 varieties this year could be in excess of 400,000 hectares.
Tony said changes to the Resistance Management Plan (RMP) for Bollgard 3 make it easier to grow cotton, with added flexibility through reduced refuge and pupae busting requirements along with less restrictive planting windows.
"Thanks to Bollgard 3, growers have more freedom to choose when and how much cotton they plant. In an encouraging sign, over 100 farmers will join the industry and plant cotton for the first time which is a great thing for the growth of the industry.
"Aussie cotton farmers first planted GM cotton 20 years ago. Since then, we have invested heavily in local research and development partnerships to bring five different products in seven different combinations to the Australian market. We are committed to ensuring the Australian cotton industry continues to be supported by world-class technology, traits and varieties.
"Bollgard 3 is the latest innovation for Australian cotton growers, but it won’t be the last," Tony said.
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