By DOUG SCHMITZ Iowa Correspondent HUXLEY, Iowa — A newly-discovered microscopic bacteria and fungi are increasing crop yields as much as 10 percent, based on results from research conducted across 170,000 field trial plots in 70 locations throughout the United States. That’s according to Monsanto Co. and Copenhagen, Denmark-based Novozymes officials speaking at a BioAg Alliance Media Day on Aug. 26 at the Monsanto farm’s new learning center in Huxley. “The early results from 2013 showed a lot of promise,” said Robb Fraley, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Monsanto, headquartered in St. Louis. “We discovered several microbes that are demonstrating increased yield in corn and soybeans.” This year alone, officials from both companies said they expected to more than double the number of research field plots next season. “We have expanded testing this year and believe we are on track to discover transformational microbial products farmers can add to their toolbox,” Fraley told reporters. Last December, Novozymes and Monsanto officials signed a $300 million agreement to form the Alliance to develop and sell new agricultural products based on microbes such as bacteria and fungi. “The Alliance brings together Novozymes’ capabilities for discovering, developing and producing microbes and Monsanto’s discovery capabilities, field testing and market reach,” said Jim Shamp, director of public relations at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park, N.C. In April, Novozymes announced the establishment of a new research and development center, located near the Research Triangle Park in Cary, N.C., dedicated to its bioagriculture business, where the company will invest $36 million over the next three years and create 100 new research and development jobs. “The world needs sustainable agricultural solutions now more than ever before,” said Thomas Videbaek, Novozymes executive vice president of business development. “By boosting our research and development of ‘environmentally-friendly’ microbial technology, we will help farmers meet this demand sooner rather than later. “The new R&D center in North Carolina is a concrete step to help speed our technology to market from a state with a long history of agricultural innovation.” Moreover, Novozymes and Monsanto officials last week highlighted how the companies’ newly-formed BioAg Alliance is working to “develop innovations for agriculture to boost productivity and further support the management of natural resources on the farm.” Initially established in February, the Alliance is expected to expand the research and commercialization of a new generation of microbials to “help farmers meet the world’s demands for food and feed in a sustainable way.” Videbaek said the Alliance is researching the next generation of these solutions, and has already introduced two types of microbial products: inoculants, which help plants take up nutrients; and biocontrol, which help protect plants against pests, disease and weeds. He added the products can be used by farmers growing broad acre crops such as corn and soy, and on fruits and vegetables. “Microbials have a significant potential to transform modern agriculture and help meet growing global demand for food,” he said. “The goal of The BioAg Alliance is to bring cutting-edge innovation in microbials to farmers, so they can produce more crops with fewer inputs.” According to Videbaek, microbials make up about two-thirds of the agricultural biologicals industry and build on the successful application of microbes in everything from personal health care to food processing and production. “Today, microbials such as Rhizobium offer farmers ways to replace or complement traditional fertilizers, while Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays continue to be used in organic and conventional agriculture,” he said. Adam Monroe, president of Novozymes North America, said scientists at the new site in North Carolina will research and develop beneficial microorganisms found in the soil, with the resulting technology focusing on improved crop yield, fertility and pest control for growers around the world. “The significant expansion of R&D resources will enable Novozymes’ scientists to pursue more and better biological solutions for the ever-changing challenges facing global agriculture,” he said. |