By Blake Jackson
Researchers at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) have developed three soybean varieties that combine a non-GMO high-oleic oil trait with resistance to three herbicides.
The varieties are now commercially available through partnerships involving the university’s Technology Advancement office, farmer-led organizations, and biotechnology companies.
“These varieties are unique and highly valuable assets in the soybean community,” said Sam Bish, Senior Technology Transfer Manager. “There are more people wanting these than we have seeds, and the University of Missouri is the only place you can get them right now.”
The new varieties offer benefits throughout the agricultural industry. Bryan Stobaugh, a strategic business advisor for Beck’s Superior Hybrids Inc., says the soybeans provide producers with effective weed-control options while retaining a high-oleic oil profile comparable to olive oil and suitable for high-temperature cooking. Research has also identified potential benefits for dairy operations.
“The dairy cattle portion of this is a byproduct that we were lucky to find out,” Stobaugh said. “Dairy producers are paid for the amount of milk fat and protein in the milk, and the use of high-oleic soybeans in the dairy cow ration increases the fat in milk, which puts profits in the dairy farmer’s pocket. This is a big win for our industry.”
The breeding effort traces back to 2009, when Mizzou and USDA scientists identified a naturally occurring soybean trait associated with increased oleic acid. The trait, later trademarked SOYLEIC, was developed through conventional breeding instead of genetic modification.
Associate Professor Andrew Scaboo and his team began combining the high-oleic characteristic with Enlist E3 herbicide technology about six years ago using conventional and molecular breeding methods.
“This work is the result of a long-term commitment by researchers, farmers and industry partners,” Scaboo said. “We could not have developed these varieties without financial investment from farmers and their interest in supporting this type of research. It’s all farmer-driven.”
The United Soybean Board and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council provided about $2 million to support the research and development.
Technology Advancement helped protect university intellectual property, secure licensing for Enlist E3 technology and move the varieties toward commercial production.
In March, rights to the SOYLEIC trait were transferred from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council to Beck’s Superior Hybrids. Additional licensing agreements are expected to expand seed availability.
Mizzou has received more than $2.8 million in soybean technology income over the past decade, with SOYLEIC varieties generating the university’s highest soybean-related revenue.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Soybeans, Education