Dow AgroSciences LLC has announced Conkesta will be the brand name for its novel insect-resistant trait. This company news release says that, when commercialized, Conkesta will provide soybean farmers with the broadest spectrum for insect control against lepidopteran pests.
The company’s insect-resistant soybean trait, originally announced to the market in 2013, continues to move through regulatory processes as the first trait to be submitted for approvals that expresses two Bt proteins. Conkesta will provide broader in-plant protection of lepidopteran pests, as well as improve sustainability of the technology compared to other soybean technologies being advanced in the market with only one Bt protein.
Submitted to regulatory authorities for approval in key soybean countries as part of the global authorization process, Conkesta is initially targeted for commercialization in South America. Brazil represents the largest opportunity where insect pressure results in significant yield loss every year. Argentina soybean farmers also face significant impact to their soybean yields due to insects. The company plans to broadly license the Conkesta technology to regional seed companies in these countries to provide wide access for farmers.
“Conkesta is outstanding technology that will help farmers control significant lepidopteran pests,” says Rolando Meninato, global leader, Seeds, Dow AgroSciences. “Combining this new technology with our Enlist™ Weed Control System and market leading germplasm will deliver the broadest pest control package of both insect and weed management so soybeans can deliver their maximum yield potential.”
Once clearing regulatory hurdles, Conkesta will be offered as a stack with the company’s innovative Enlist soybean traits in elite and high-yielding varieties.