Drought-tolerant seed could boost corn crop

BY RICK PLUMLEE
The Wichita Eagle

A first-generation, drought-tolerant corn seed that Monsanto recently helped develop could increase yield in Kansas up to 50 percent, according to a Kansas State University crop ecologist.
"This could be very significant," said Kraig Roozeboom, an assistant professor for crop production at K-State.

Use of the genetically modified seed will primarily target land that yields 130 bushels or less and is not irrigated, said Tom Ruff, director of yield and emerging technologies for St. Louis-based Monsanto.

Over the past 10 years, Kansas has averaged 130.6 bushels per acre, ranging from 115 to 150 bushels. Last year's crop yielded 134 bushels.

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Monsanto, Dole partner to improve vegetables

St. Louis Business Journal

(Photo: Hugh Grant)

Monsanto Co. has entered into a collaboration agreement with Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc., to develop new products.

The five-year collaboration will focus on broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and spinach, Monsanto said Tuesday. Researchers will use plant breeding to improve the nutrition, flavor, color, texture, taste and aroma of these vegetables.

New products developed from this collaboration could be commercialized by Dole in North America.

With 2008 revenue of $7.6 billion, Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole is the world’s largest producer and marketer of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables and is the leading producer of organic bananas.

Creve Coeur, Mo.-based Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON), led by Chairman, President and CEO Hugh Grant, develops insect- and herbicide-resistant crops and other agricultural products. It is one of the largest employers in St. Louis with 4,000 local employees.