North Central Ohio, across the Corn belt ! | Dow-Monsanto complete new corn seed authorizations
July 20, 2009 5:37 PM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A Dow Chemical unit said Monday a new pest- and weed-resistant corn seed received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and regulatory authorization from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Dow AgroSciences said SmartStax remains on track for a commercial launch next year. Dow AgroSciences is developing and marketing the product with Monsanto Co., maker of Roundup herbicide.
The companies said they expect the new corn seed to be offered to farmers of 3 million- to 4 million-plus acres in its first year. The launch would represent the largest-ever introduction of a corn biotech seed product, they said.
SmartStax is designed to control corn pests above and below ground. They include Western corn rootworms, corn earworm and black cutworm.
Dow Chemical shares rose 82 cents, or 4.8 percent, to close at $17.81 in the regular session, and added 9 cents after hours. Shares of Monsanto rose $2.94, or 3.8 percent, to $79.50 in after-hours trading. During the regular session, the stock edged up $1.15 to $76.56.
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EPA Approval...
