Monsanto Shares Soybean Genetic Data

June 26, 2001

Monsanto Company will share genetic information with the United Soybean Board in an effort to accelerate the development of a soybean with improved oils and more protein. The company says this will help develop healthier soy products for consumers worldwide and improve the economic value of crops for U.S. soybean farmers.

A series of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) end sequences will be provided for the soybean genome. In turn, the USB has agreed to provide the genetic sequence data to non-profit Better Bean Initiative participants who are funded through public resources.

"We believe strongly in the United Soybean Board's Better Bean Initiative and their commitment to help U.S. producers maintain their competitive advantage," said Carl Casale, vice president and general manager for Monsanto's North American agriculture business.

Scientists use BAC-end sequences to identify the location of specific genetic markers on chromosomes within a genome. By identifying genetic markers on the desired trait, plant breeders can breed plants more efficiently and more accurately.

"This donation is one of the essential tools we will need to unlock the most beneficial traits within the soybean genome," said Don Latham, chairman of the Better Bean Initiative advisory panel and immediate past chairman of the United Soybean Board. "It will not only quickly accelerate our goal to develop the highest quality soybean for U.S. soy producers, but reduce the amount of time and money it will take to achieve this goal."

Monsanto Company has participated in the Better Bean Initiative since January 2000. Last month, the company donated a simple sequence repeat (SSR) genetic marker which identifies the low palmitic fatty acid trait within the soybean genome. It is expected to accelerate the Better Bean Initiative's goal of developing a high-yielding soybean that is lower in saturated fat.