Monsanto to develop drought tolerant wheat seed

Date:07-17-2009

Monsanto announced it is expanding its strong seeds and traits portfolio to include wheat. The company has acquired the assets of WestBred, LLC for $45 million, a Montana-based company that specializes in wheat germplasm, the crops seed genetic material. The investment will bolster the future growth of Monsantos seeds and traits platform and allow farmers to benefit from the companys experience in drought-, disease- and pest-tolerance innovations.

Officials say the drought-resistant seeds could take eight to 10 years to develop.

Monsanto stopped plans for engineering RoundUp Ready wheat seeds five years ago, citing an overall decline in wheat production.

In June, the company announced plans to increase its focus on seed traits after a nearly 50% decline in sales of its RoundUp and other herbicides.