One of the three soybean traits just approved by the European Union is Balance™ GT (Event FG72), developed by Bayer and MS Technologies.

According to Frank Terhorst, head of the Seeds business unit of Bayer’s Crop Science division, the Balance™ GT trait confers tolerance to both isoxaflutole (an HPPD inhibitor) and glyphosate herbicides. “The new Balance™ GT Soybean Performance System is intended to address the weed management challenges faced by soybean farmers,” said Terhorst. “We are pleased with the progress we are making on the regulatory front for Balance™ GT.”

The dual herbicide tolerance trait Balance™ GT (Event FG72) received a positive scientific opinion from EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was subsequently accepted by the European Commission for the importation of Balance™ GT soybeans for food and feed uses. This follows approvals received already from the U.S, Canada, and Brazil for cultivation, and is near completion of receiving all key required import approvals globally. The first launch is planned for the US in 2017, pending final key import approvals.

Balance™ GT is owned by MS Technologies and is being co-developed through a joint development agreement with Bayer. “Resistance to herbicides is a global challenge demanding new solutions. The dual modes of action in Balance™ GT soybeans are intended to help soybean growers by providing flexibility in weed management,” said Joseph Merschman, president of MS Technologies.

Bayer and MS Technologies have been collaborating since 2007 with new herbicide tolerance technologies for soybeans.