BASF, Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. sign agreement to bring industry-first soybean trait stack to market in Brazil intended for the end of this decade

• New biotech soybean nematode resistance trait will be combined with leading herbicide and insect resistance traits to optimize yield and address leading causes of soybean yield loss in Brazil

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, August 13, 2025 – BASF, Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. today announced that they have entered into a trait licensing agreement to bring BASF’s novel nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait with Enlist E3^® soybeans and Conkesta E3^® soybeans to farmers in Brazil. The NRS trait offers the first ever biotech solution for effectively managing root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and soybean cyst nematodes – difficult-to-control microscopic pests that damage soybeans and threaten yields.

“This novel trait has demonstrated more than 90% control of root lesion nematodes in more than 160 field trials over the past seven years,” said Adolfo Vitorio Ulbrich, Regional R&D Seeds Director at BASF Agricultural Solutions in Latin America. “We are excited to cooperate with Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. to bring to Brazilian farmers the first commercially available biotechnology trait for soybeans to provide a critical management tool against nematodes.”

The Enlist^® weed control system is an industry-leading system for soybeans, corn, and cotton. Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides, giving growers additional herbicide options to manage resistant and hard-to-control weeds. Conkesta E3 soybeans additionally incorporate two Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1Ac) for the management of the main caterpillar pests in soybean crops, a tailored option for farmers in Latin America. 

“We’re pleased about the opportunity to combine our Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybean technology with the nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait from BASF to offer growers across Brazil a critical new tool to help protect against Pratylenchus brachyurus and soybean cyst nematode,” said Christian Pflug, Licensing Director, Brazil and Paraguay, Corteva.

The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

“Since the beginning, M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. has been focused on developing the industry’s highest-performing soybean genetics,” said Joe Merschman, president of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. “Pairing Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 genetics from M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. with this new NRS trait developed by BASF represents a step change in value protection for soybean growers in South America.”

BASF, Corteva, and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. anticipate commercial varieties containing BASF’s innovative NRS trait in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans will be available to farmers in Brazil by the end of the decade or early next decade, pending applicable regulatory reviews and completion of field testing. Additional countries remain a possibility.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Always read and follow label directions. The NRS trait technology is owned and developed by BASF. The Enlist^® weed control system is owned and developed by Corteva Agriscience LLC. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3^® soybeans and Conkesta E3^® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. BASF licensed its nematode resistance soybean trait to Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. for use in Enlist E3^® soybeans and Conkesta E3^® soybeans. ™ ® ℠ Trademarks and service marks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2025 BASF Agricultural Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved. 

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €919 million in 2024, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2024, our division generated sales of €9.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $19.7 billion in 2024. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About Corteva Agriscience

Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com. 

About M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. is a leading trait, technology and soybean genetics provider. M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. features a portfolio of in-house traits, as well as wide access to other traits and technologies through collaborative agreements with other parties. For more information on M.S. Technologies, L.L.C., visit our website at www.mstechseed.com.