Print This PageBiotechnology in Australia
In 1996 Australian farmers became some of the first in the world to grow biotech crops when they planted INGARD® cotton. Since that time there has been a rapid adoption of Monsanto’s insect and herbicide tolerant traits. In 2008, 96 % of all cotton grown in Australia contained Monsanto’s novel biotech traits. In the same year grain growers in NSW and Victoria were given access to plant Roundup Ready canola, the first commercial biotech canola crop in Australia.
Bollgard II® cotton
Through the use of naturally occurring soil proteins, the built-in technology of Bollgard II safely targets the key pests in cotton (Helicoverpa spp.), dramatically reducing the need for insecticides. while improving the environment platform and safety of growing cotton.
Roundup Ready Flex ® cotton
This technology offers farmers the ability to apply Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides right through the key period for controlling weeds. This offers superior weed control, maximum flexibility and outstanding crop safety.
Roundup Ready® canola
In 2008 the Victorian and New South Wales State governments gave growers the choice to grow Roundup Ready canola technology. In both States, the limited commercial release of 2008 is expanding to a large scale release in 2009. A 1000 hectare trial demonstration site will be grown in Western Australia in 2009, with the expectation to move to a large scale release in 2010.
Commercial results in both Australia and other countries such as Canada have shown farmers will see increased average yields, a reduction in herbicide use, greater flexibility in planning future rotations and will be able to replace more persistant herbicides with Roundup.
