Monsanto to introduce pest-, weed-resistant corn

Monsanto Philippines will introduce a second generation genetically-modified (GM) corn that is highly resistant to weeds and insect pests, once the Bureau of Plant Industry approves its propagation. “This second generation GM corn now has two sets of genes and proteins the offer double protection from pest and allows easier management by corn farmers," said Dr. Harvey L. Glick, Monsanto senior director for scientific affairs. He told reporters in a briefing Wednesday the new traits are available, but would need approval by the Plant Bureau before it can be released for commercial propagation. The application for approval, filed in April, could take six months to one year. The Plant Bureau said Monsanto, a leading transgenic crop seed producer, filed the application for regulatory approval for the GM corn, named Mon89034. "Monsanto has just recently filed the application for regulatory approval. I don't think it would take a year for [the government]to evaluate their application," said Plant Bureau director Larry Lacson. The Philippines is the first Asian country to introduce transgenic corn and subsequently propagate it in commercial quantities. —VS, GMANews.TV