Optimum GAT, the new proprietary glyphosate-tolerance trait from DuPont, has cleared another hurdle toward final introduction by gaining U.S. regulatory approval.

Now the trait needs regulatory approval from key export markets. According to company officials, the trait is on target to be introduced in corn by 2010 and soybeans by 2011. Demonstration plots are planned for 2009 and 2010.

Optimum GAT marks the first trait developed with DuPont's proprietary gene-shuffling technology and promises more broad-spectrum weed control by incorporating acetolactate synthase (ALS) herbicides into a glyphosate program.