Dow AgroSciences, M.S. Technologies Submit for Approval First Ever Three-Gene Herbicide-Tolerant Soybean

Will Provide Growers New, Improved Choice for Glyphosate Tolerance in Soybeans


Indianapolis, Indiana & West Point, Iowa ----


Dow AgroSciences LLC, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), and M.S. Technologies LLC announced today a collaborative submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the approval of the first-ever, three-gene herbicide-tolerant soybean.

This new soybean event developed by the companies includes, for the first time, three herbicide tolerance genes stacked as part of a single genetic event in the soybean genome. These genes provide tolerance to Dow AgroSciences’ new 2,4-D product, glyphosate, and glufosinate, which combined make-up the Enlist™ Weed Control System.

“Dow AgroSciences continues to break new ground in both trait and herbicide technologies, and this soybean submission illustrates how our company continues to raise the bar for our entire industry in innovation,” said Antonio Galindez, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences. “For growers, this Dow AgroSciences scientific breakthrough will provide a new choice for the best traits in the best germplasm to enhance soybeans. For Dow AgroSciences, this technology significantly accelerates our growth and position in the soybean business and beyond.”

Specifically, the new Enlist system will provide growers with a more effective combination of herbicides, traits in elite seed genetics, and stewardship programs that partner with and improve leading weed control systems, resulting in exceptional flexibility, convenience, and value.

In addition to providing growers with a choice of glyphosate tolerant soybean products, the Enlist technology will give growers greater flexibility in using a new 2,4-D product. Growers will be able to plant immediately after product application, as compared to the delays currently required by 2,4-D labeling. Enlist will also offer growers a new tool to address glyphosate-resistant and hard-to-control weeds.

“M.S. Technologies is excited to partner with Dow AgroSciences on this innovative technology, which will set the new standard for weed control and yield performance in soybeans, allowing growers to maximize per acre profits,” said Joseph H. Merschman, president, M.S. Technologies.

Pending regulatory approvals, the trait package is expected to be available by mid-decade in Dow AgroSciences, M.S. Technologies and Mertec soybean varieties.

About Dow AgroSciences

Dow AgroSciences, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company providing innovative agrochemical and biotechnology solutions globally. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, has sales of $4.9 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com.

About M.S. Technologies

M.S. Technologies LLC is a leading trait and technology provider. M.S. Technologies LLC features a portfolio of in-house traits, as well as wide access to other traits and technologies through collaborative agreements with other parties.

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.