CNNMoney.com
11-07-8-07
Post-Harvest Research Summaries Confirm Pioneer(R) Brand Hybrids with
Herculex(R) XTRA More Effective Against Corn Rootworm
DuPont Business Pioneer Hi-Bred Sees Three Bushel Yield Advantage with
Herculex(R) XTRA Trait vs. Competitors
DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Post-harvest research
summaries from multiple Midwestern locations confirm early trial results that
showed Pioneer(R) brand hybrids with Herculex(R) XTRA are consistently
superior to other corn rootworm management options, including other transgenic
and soil insecticides.
In the seven university and 11 Pioneer agronomy sciences trials, Pioneer(R)
hybrids with the Herculex(R) traits were more effective against root damage,
compared to hybrids with the YieldGard(R) traits developed by Monsanto.
The university and agronomy sciences research trials evaluated nodes of roots
injured by corn rootworm. In the trials, Herculex(R) XTRA averaged 0.06 nodes
destroyed, whereas YieldGard VT(TM) averaged 0.11 and the untreated check
averaged 0.70. Specifically, in the University of Illinois rootworm product efficacy
trial at Urbana, Herculex(R) XTRA averaged 0.49 nodes destroyed, whereas
YieldGard VT(TM) averaged 0.84. Evaluations are based on a 0-3 root node
scale with 0 being no damage and 3 a fully damaged root.
In addition, consistency ratings, an indicator of variability of root protection, were
noticeably higher for hybrids with Herculex(R) traits compared to hybrids with
YieldGard(R) traits.
The university research trials were conducted at the University of Illinois (three
trials), Iowa State University (one trial) and Purdue University (three trials).
The benefit of Pioneer(R) hybrids with Herculex(R) XTRA is not only protected
roots, but higher yields. Recently published two-year Pioneer agronomy sciences
systems trials show that Pioneer hybrids with Herculex(R) XTRA, on average,
had a three-bushel advantage over DeKalb hybrids with YieldGard(R) Plus.
Hybrids with Herculex(R) XTRA insect protection contain both Herculex(R) I and
Herculex(R) RW to guard against a broader range of above- and below-ground
insects in corn than any other in-seed product on the market.
While offering good control of western bean cutworms, research also showed
that Herculex(R) XTRA provided the highest protection against black cutworms,
excellent control of European corn borer and southwestern corn borer, and good
protection against fall armyworms.
"Corn rootworm (CRW) larvae are one of the most destructive insects of corn in
North America," Murt McLeod, Pioneer agronomy research scientist, said.
"Feeding on the root system, damage from corn rootworms can affect standability
and limit water and nutrient uptake in the plant, impacting overall plant health and
grain development."
Yield losses from corn rootworms of 10 percent to more than 30 percent are
common with moderate to high corn rootworm populations in untreated fields.
Damage from corn rootworm can vary from year to year, but management of the
pest is expected to be an ongoing issue for growers, particularly in areas of
continuous corn planting. The variant western corn rootworm also continued to
expand in the Corn Belt, particularly in Illinois and Indiana.
"Though corn rootworm pressure was less this past growing season in several
areas of the Corn Belt than the previous two years, research trials were good
indicators of yield performance during lower pressure situations," McLeod said.
"Higher yielding corn is still the overall goal for growers, and hybrids need to
perform in all levels of insect pressure."
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized
solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With
headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant
genetics in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802,
DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a
better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70
countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and construction;
communications; and transportation.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and
Pioneer(R) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Herculex(R) insect protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer HiBred. Herculex(R) and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow
AgroSciences LLC.
(R) YieldGard is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto
Company.
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