Bayer develops gene-edited soybeans with improved lodging resistance

Bayer is developing a new generation of soybeans using gene-editing technology designed to improve plant resistance to lodging. The issue is particularly important for high-yielding varieties, as taller plants face a greater risk of bending or falling over, which can complicate harvesting and lead to yield losses.

The company is integrating gene editing directly into its breeding process and plans to bring the new soybeans to market in the early 2030s. Bayer is also using an AI-powered precision breeding platform that, according to the company, can double the rate of genetic gain and reduce time to market for new products threefold.

Meanwhile, Bayer plans to introduce Vyconic in the US and Canada next year — the industry’s first soybean technology offering tolerance to five herbicides. It is expected to expand weed-control options, including for herbicide-resistant weeds. New varieties featuring the technology have demonstrated yield gains of more than 2 bushels per acre.

For Brazil, the company is preparing Intacta 5+, which will also combine tolerance to five herbicides with additional insect protection. Its launch is expected in the 2027/28 season. Bayer estimates the combined peak sales potential of its new generations of soybean herbicide-tolerance and insect-protection technologies at more than €3 bln.

The developments are part of Bayer’s strategy to launch 10 blockbuster products within ten years, each with peak sales potential of at least €500 mln. Two products have already entered commercialization — the Preceon Smart Corn System for short-stature corn and the new Plenexos insecticide.

Tags: soybean, Canada, USA, technology, gene-edited soybean, Brazil