Monsanto Tests Drought-Tolerant Corn in Texas

Tests conducted on farms in Texas and South Dakota

Seed giant Monsanto Co. plans large-scale tests this year of the first government-approved biotech crop developed to deal with drought.

The new corn's introduction comes at a time when much of the U.S. remains abnormally dry with areas in the South and Southwest still facing severe drought.

Monsanto says the corn won't be a panacea for drought-stricken farmers but when combined with improved agricultural practices could help those in areas like the western Great Plains.

In similar areas, production without irrigation can be half as much as the national average.

The St. Louis-based company will host on-farm trials from South Dakota to Texas to determine how well the corn works before releasing it commercially next year.

Drought-tolerant corn sold by competitors such as Pioneer Hi-Bred were developed with conventional and molecular breeding.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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