Monsanto, the patent holder for glyphosate, has had to deal with an influx of generic glyphosate from China makers now that its Roundup brand no longer can capture a premium price.

Last summer Monsanto cut 1800 positions, or eight per cent of its workforce, in its plan to reorganise its herbicide business.

The company said it expects ongoing EPS for the fiscal year in the range of $2.40 to $2.45 a share, at the low end of its previous $2.40 to $2.60 guidance range.

Chief financial officer Carl Casale indicated Monsanto continued to be on track to maintain SG&A expenses in the range of $2 billion to $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2010.

"Our operating plan for the quarter and the conclusion of the fiscal year focused on delivering on our revised commitments and setting up our business for mid-teens earnings growth going forward," Mr Casale said.

"With a solid wrap to the quarter, we'll turn the page and start a new chapter as our growth focus shifts squarely to our seeds-and-traits business."

Monsanto will provide a complete report on fourth-quarter and fiscal-year earnings on October 6.