NewLeafTM Ultra
This line is aimed at providing growers, processors and consumers with high
yielding varieties with minimal chemical, agronomic and processing inputs. To this
end a ‘quadra’ gene construct was made to deliver resistance to CPB, PLRV, PVY
and tolerance to glyphosate. Expression of all four genes has been obtained in cvs.
Russet Burbank and Atlantic and field level efficacies of the target traits
demonstrated (B. Krohn, Monsanto, pers. comm.). This is the first known success
in stacking four genes and obtaining desired performance in the field. Conceptually,
the Ultra lines could be developed further to introduce resistance to Verticillium and
improved quality traits such as elevated dry matter content and bruise resistance.