The Quest to improve nitrogen use efficiency in corn and
soybeans prompted Monsanto to collaborate with an ag biotech
company called Evogene. Under an agreement between the two
companies, Monsanto may use genes discovered by Evogene to
improve nitrogen use in plants. According to Monsanto, the genes
from Evogene “are complementary to the nitrogen utilization
genes already in testing in Monsanto's pipeline and could
provide the opportunity to further a series of upgrades for this
key target area.”  Monsanto claims that nitrogen fertilizer
represents one-fifth of the operating costs for a corn producer.
Finding the genetic keys that help a corn plant absorb and use
more nitrogen will help a grower lower costs and improve
profitability. The potential market for such a genetic trait is
great.