UPDATE 1-DuPont completes some filings on corn trait

NEW YORK, July 2 (Reuters) - Chemical maker DuPont Co. (DD.N) said on Monday it has completed regulatory submissions for its Optimum GAT trait in corn to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Wilmington, Delaware-based company said it is on track to complete its submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later this year.

Seeds with the Optimum GAT trait are more tolerant against certain types of herbicides, which help control weeds, but also pose a risk to the crop itself.

"We are excited about the strong progress we are making to bring the Optimum GAT trait closer to market," said Erik Fyrwald head of DuPont's Agriculture & Nutrition division, in a statement.

DuPont plans to introduce soybean seeds containing this trait by 2009 and it plans to market corn seeds with the same trait by 2010.

DuPont has already launched its Herculex line of genetically modified seed products and is attempting to catch-up with Monsanto Co. (MON.N), which is the leader in the genetically modified seed business.

Shares of DuPont rose 1.3 percent to $51.50 on the New York Stock Exchange early Monday afternoon.