Key Takeaways
- Cibus’ HT2 trait in canola designated “not regulated” by USDA-APHIS under 7 CFR part 340
- HT2 is part of a broader pipeline of herbicide tolerance and agronomic traits developed using RTDS®
- The company now has 17 traits designated as non-regulated under USDA biotechnology guidelines
- HT2 aims to support improved weed control in canola, targeting resistance to commonly used herbicides
- The designation supports Cibus’ expansion efforts in both U.S. and international markets
USDA-APHIS Confirms Non-Regulated Status for Cibus’ HT2 Canola Trait
Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS), an agricultural technology company focused on trait development and licensing, announced that its HT2 herbicide tolerance trait in canola has been determined as “not regulated” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). The status means the trait does not fall under regulations for plant pests as outlined in 7 CFR part 340.
HT2 is the latest addition to Cibus’ portfolio of productivity and agronomic traits, intended to support growers with more advanced weed management options in broadacre crops.
Advanced Trait Development Using RTDS® Technology
HT2 was developed using Cibus’ Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®), a proprietary platform that enables precise trait development without introducing foreign DNA. The HT2 trait is intended to improve tolerance to herbicides in canola, a crop increasingly challenged by herbicide-resistant weed species.
“HT2 represents an advanced multi-crop herbicide tolerance trait within Cibus’ pipeline,” said Dr. Peter Beetham, Co-Founder and Interim CEO of Cibus. “We are encouraged by our pace of development and look forward to working with our partners to deliver our next generation herbicide tolerance traits to the market.”
Cibus Builds Regulatory Momentum in the U.S. and Abroad
With this new designation, Cibus now has 17 traits that have received non-regulated status from USDA-APHIS, reinforcing the scalability of its development approach. These determinations are critical to enabling faster time-to-market for traits that support both agricultural productivity and sustainability.
“The recent regulatory determinations from USDA-APHIS reflect our continued positive momentum, not only in the United States, but in international markets as well,” added Beetham.
Supporting Yield Protection and Sustainable Weed Management
The HT2 trait is intended to give growers a novel solution to control herbicide-resistant weeds, which can significantly reduce crop yields. By expanding the toolbox for weed control in canola and other broadacre crops, Cibus aims to support both profitability and long-term farm sustainability.
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