For the 2005 growing season, corn producers will have access to new base genetics from 16 hybrid families advanced by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Pioneer combined these new base genetics with insect- and herbicide-resistance traits to advance a total of 40 new corn hybrids for 2005. This new collection of corn hybrids combines exceptional yield potential with solid agronomics, insect protection and herbicide resistance.

"As in 2004, the strength of our 2005 introductions is in Pioneer's new base genetics," says Bob Heimbaugh, North American director of corn product management for Pioneer. "We saw an 11.5 bushel-per-acre advantage with the 2004 class. The new genetics for 2005 build upon that success."

Of the 16 hybrids offering new base genetics, one white and 15 conventional hybrids have been advanced. This brings the 2005 Pioneer® brand corn offerings to 290 products for North America.

More solutions for pest-weary growers

Growers not only have access to new proprietary genetics, but multiple technology choices and the option to pre-treat their seed corn with an insecticide seed treatment.

Select Pioneer hybrids offer in-plant protection against common pests, such as corn rootworm (CRW) and European corn borer (ECB). Eight hybrids with ECB resistance and eight with CRW resistance are new for 2005. Of the eight hybrids with ECB resistance, seven contain the Herculex I (1) insect protection gene that provides control of European and southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm. New hybrids with CRW resistance contain the YieldGard (2) Rootworm gene for protection against corn rootworm feeding.

To meet the continued increase in demand for herbicide-resistant products, four of this year's new Pioneer hybrids contain the Roundup Ready (2) Corn 2 trait, while three others offer the Roundup Ready trait stacked with ECB resistance and CRW resistance.

In addition, all Pioneer hybrids with the Herculex I trait also contain the LibertyLink (3) gene, which provides resistance to Liberty (3) herbicide.

"We're excited that these new products offer a variety of solutions to growers," says Heimbaugh. "We're also looking forward to introducing Pioneer proprietary genetics with the Herculex (1) RW trait in 2006, giving our customers another option for protection against corn rootworm."

Pioneer also offers two seed-applied insecticide options on the majority of Pioneer hybrids for 2005 - mid-rate Poncho3 250 and high-rate Poncho 1250. Pioneer corn hybrids combining Poncho 1250 with the Herculex I trait provide the industry's broadest spectrum of insect protection. Insecticide seed treatments provide convenient, safe and effective control of early-season soil and foliar insects.

New end-use products listed on 2005 preferred list

The Pioneer IndustrySelectSM program provides more seed products that satisfy specific end uses than any other source in the industry. This year's new Pioneer hybrids bring key maturities into the company's lineup of yellow, waxy and white food-grade corn products.

"The six new waxy hybrids we’re introducing in 2005 provide an excellent addition to any grower’s waxy hybrid package," says Heimbaugh.

Heimbaugh notes these new end-use products will be listed on the preferred list for 2005 planting.

In 2005, Pioneer will offer one new white hybrid (117 CRM) to complement the two white hybrids released in 2004. Pioneer also advanced four new yellow food-grade hybrids from 107 to 115 CRM and five new hybrids which meet milling criteria for high extractable starch (HES).

The 2005 class also includes five new hybrids with maturities ranging from 103 to 105 that are designated as high total fermentables (HTF) for enhanced ethanol yield.

For more information on these and other new corn hybrids, visit your local Pioneer sales professional who will work with you to identify needs and help select the products that offer the best return per acre.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, 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, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science 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, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

®, SM Registered trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
1 Herculex is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Herculex I, Herculex RW insect protection by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred.
2 Trademarks used under license from Monsanto Company.
3 Trademarks of Bayer AG.