by PressBenson Hill has introduced high-protein soybean varieties
Benson Hill plans to expand its seed range in the coming years
Benson Hill plans to introduce new soybean varieties in 2024. The biotechnology company is using an innovative artificial intelligence-based breeding platform. The company has made good progress in seed development and testing over the past year. As a result, analysts expect the company to double its current portfolio of varieties by 2025.
Uniqueness of new soybean varieties
Benson is currently testing its third generation of UHP-LO soybean varieties, bred without genetically modified traits. These seeds have a 2% higher protein content than the previous generation. They also have a lower concentration of oligosaccharides. In terms of yield, they are 3-5 bushels per acre higher than GM soybeans.
The company uses the CropOS AI platform, which analyses data and predicts the breeding process. This allows the developer to control a range of metrics, such as protein content and yield. The company has also patented its soybean germplasm, the basis for selection.
Benson spokesman Jason Bull said the new technology enables the creation of better soybean varieties. Thanks to AI, scientists strive to achieve high yields without sacrificing essential traits.
The company began releasing new soybean varieties in 2019 and has made great strides since then. It has also significantly accelerated the process of testing and bringing varieties to market. As a result, the industry is evolving rapidly, encouraging other breeders to improve their approaches.
The company’s plans for the coming years
By 2025, Benson Hill plans to increase the number of soybean varieties to 20. All will be high in protein and have reduced levels of non-digestible sugars.
In 2023, the company unveiled a comprehensive analysis of its soybean seeds. The study showed that these varieties are ideal for use in livestock:
— for feeding poultry;
— pigs;
— domestic animals.
The high protein content of non-GM soya varieties makes them ideal for daily animal feed. Working with the developer can, therefore, be beneficial for feed producers. Another advantage of the UHP-LO varieties is their high yield.
Dini Elsner, head of the company, says that by 2024, there will be 5 new seed varieties with improved traits. American farmers will be able to use them in the new planting season.
In 2025, Benson Hill will introduce varieties that are resistant to herbicides. These varieties will be ready for planting in 2026, helping farmers to control weeds more effectively.