Des Moines, Iowa
January 15, 2002

Widely adapted hybrids with strong defensive traits and insect resistance lead Pioneer's new corn lineup

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., recently selected a number of new Pioneer® brand hybrids that will be available for growers to plant this spring. The lineup additions offer Pioneer's trademark yield
potential along with key characteristics selected to help protect that potential. Insect protection, drought resistance, disease resistance, drydown and standability lead the benefits these hybrids present.

"This class stands out because so many of these hybrids are widely adapted," explains Bob Heimbaugh, Pioneer product management director. "They've been well-tested in thousands of in-field evaluations across the country and have performed in some very diverse conditions this past year. Add the 2001 testing results to the prior three years of wide-area research testing and these new hybrids are proven to offer good stability across environments for our customers."

Strong new full-season hybrids
 
One example of Pioneer's continual improvement in hybrid performance is evident among 113 comparative relative maturity (CRM) zone hybrids including Pioneer hybrid 33R77 at 114 CRM. 33R77 was new in 2001 and has already established itself as a new benchmark for yield advantage over competitors in this maturity with very acceptable harvestability. 33R77 has a 14.4 bushel advantage in 2,856 comparisons.

"The number 33R77 was assigned to mirror the type of improved yield performance that another benchmark Pioneer hybrid, 3377, brought to the industry back in 1982, but 33R77 has much better late-season standability and, of course, better harvestable yield potential," explains Heimbaugh.

For 2002 there are several new introductions in the 113 maturity zone including 33D31 at 115 CRM and at 32W86 114 CRM. These hybrids have similar yield potential, but offer more stability for late-season harvestability. Also new at 114 CRM is 32D12, which has already surpassed the yield performance of 33R77 and should be an ideal candidate for the 2002 NCGA yield contest. The strong combination of yield and harvestability in this maturity will be very obvious to growers next fall, according to Heimbaugh.

Insect-resistance added to leader hybrids

"In addition, this new class offers a strong combination of technology conversions of leader hybrids that growers have come to rely on, along with several totally new base genetics that have shown outstanding performance and stability in multiple year trials," Heimbaugh adds.

Traits for insect-resistance have been incorporated into Pioneer's best-selling, high-yielding hybrids. The YieldGard¹ trait for corn borer protection has been added to leader hybrids 39K40, 36N70,
34B97, 34N43, 32H58 and 32R42, which are now available for 2002 planting. Based on the increased second brood corn borer infestations encountered in 2001 and the increased demand for YieldGard corn borer protection, these new conversions will offer an extremely good value to growers.

Additional highlights of the new offering include:

• Three early maturity silage-type hybrids for the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada (39F45, 39G12, 39V62).
• New leaders at 77 CRM (39B01), 81 CRM (39H84) and 90 CRM (38R69). 38R69 replaces long-time favorite 3893.
• An eastern Corn Belt leader at 97 CRM (37D25) to replace 37J99 and 38T27.
• A technology option at 102 CRM (36N71) that offers the YieldGard gene and capitalizes on the proven performance and standability of the base genetics of hybrid 36N70.
• A yield leader at 105 CRM (35Y65) adapted to the central and western Corn Belt with solid agronomics and strong drought tolerance.
• Two widely adapted leaders at 109 CRM (34H31) and 110 CRM (34N43) that offer improved yield and agronomics over 34B23.
• A waxy conversion of 33J56 at 113 CRM (33J58) to replace 33A63. It has top yield potential and very good test weight to help meet waxy contract minimum standards.
• Two exciting white corn hybrids at 115 CRM (32A85) and 116 CRM (32T78) offering a next generation leap in both yield and agronomics over Pioneer's white corn lineup that already leads the white food corn industry.
• A short-statured, widely adapted new leader at 117 CRM (31N27) with strong agronomics growers can plant with confidence.
• A widely adapted hybrid at 118 CRM (32D99) with adaptation and performance similar to industry-leading 31G98.

"For additional information about the new, advanced hybrids appropriate for your area, visit your local Pioneer sales professional," says Heimbaugh. "These representatives will work closely with you to identify your needs and help you select the products that offer the greatest overall return per acre on your seed investment."

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. During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation - providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.

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