US biotech firms target enhanced GM corn

Jan	07
2009

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/04/2008 3:52 PM

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Multinational seed firms are looking into the local commercialization of “second generation” genetically modified (GM) corn.

US-based biotechnology companies Dow AgriSciences and Monsanto are now eyeing markets for more potent and pest-resistant GM corn after having successfully marketed the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn since 2003. Bt corn has the sole trait of being Asiatic corn-borer resistant.

Before even setting foot in other Asian countries, biotechnology companies have already seen opportunities in starting out in the Philippines. The country is internationally recognized for having a more established regulatory policy on biotechnology.

In 2005, Dow AgroSciences has already started its field testing of the ‘TC 1507,’ in Isabela, South Cotabato, General Santos, and Bukidnon. Branded Herculex in the US, TC 1507 is said to have achieved a good yield advantage of 99.7 percent over non-Bt corn.

“We already completed two seasons of field testing. Hopefully it will be approved for release next year,” said Antipas Criador IV, regulatory and field research and development head of Dow AgroSciences, in an interview.

Aside from being corn borer-resistant, TC 1507 also prevents corn infestation from lepidopterans such as catworms and earworms.

“Out of 1,000 plants with the borer resistance, only three plants were found to have damage while the non-GM corn plant had 997 damages,” he added.

Dow AgriSciences, however, did not yet claim resistance to other pests, saying that they are yet to resolve with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) regarding data interpretation.

Meanwhile, Monsanto has also started testing of a multiple-gene GM corn this year. Unlike the first-generation Bt corn which has only one gene, an industry official of Monsanto said that the second-generation GM corn they are developing has three genes.

Called the Mon89, Monsanto will be completing its first season field trial this November in Pangasinan, Isabela, Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.

If a corn plant has only one gene against borer resistance, the pest may develop resistance over a shorter period of time. Three genes, however, would make it more difficult for pests.