AgroPages-Monsanto wins Brazil state RR OK-Agricultural news

The Brazilian state of Parana has confirmed the registration of Monsantos herbicide, Roundup Ready (glyphosate), for post-emergence use on genetically modified glyphosate-tolerant soybeans, the company confirmed to Agrow. "The herbicide, Roundup Ready, is ready to be marketed in the state of Parana, after its Minister of Agriculture approved it in October," Monsanto says.

The product gained the registration following a judicial review. The Parana State Court had already suspended its earlier ruling that called for the herbicides temporary registration for post-emergence use on GM soybeans. The suspension was in response to submitted evidence from the environmental institute, the IAP. The company had to submit new supporting data for the judge to make a final ruling.

Monsanto presented evidence from studies to the Minister, showing Roundup Readys efficacy against all target weeds. The Minister has temporarily restricted the products use to four weeds, Monsanto adds. "New field studies are taking place and Monsanto will present them to the Minister."

Monsanto gained registration for the herbicide in all states except Parana in 2004. It expected 50-60% of the crops area to be Roundup Ready this season. The state accounted for almost a fifth of the national soybean area last year at around 4 million ha, according to the Brazilian soybean agricultural research corporation, the Embrapa Soja.