Des Moines, Iowa
December 29, 2003

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., will offer four corn hybrids with in-plant corn rootworm resistance for spring 2004 planting.  The four hybrids include the YieldGard¹ Rootworm gene and range from 106 to 114 comparative relative maturity (CRM).

“Corn growers are rightfully excited about the benefits of in-plant corn rootworm resistance, and we’ve invested in the YieldGard Rootworm technology in order to meet their needs for this beneficial trait,” says Bob Heimbaugh, director of corn marketing at Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa.  “Each of these Pioneer^® hybrids offers new proprietary genetics. Growers from Ohio and Pennsylvania west through Nebraska and north into southern Minnesota will find at least one of these new products will match the growing conditions and needs in their area.”

Supplies will be limited, so Heimbaugh recommends growers contact their local Pioneer representative early for best availability of the hybrids and also to discuss Poncho² 1250 insecticide seed treatment, which offers growers yet another option to control corn rootworm.  It is available on more than 100 Pioneer hybrids.

The new hybrids containing the YieldGard Rootworm trait include Pioneer hybrid 34F41, a 106 CRM product that is moderate in plant height.  Hybrid 33M72 is well suited to areas of Illinois and Indiana plagued by the eastern variant of the western corn rootworm and fits wherever 112 CRM hybrids are grown.  At 113 CRM, 33N49 offers high yield potential and should work well for silage.  Rounding out the offering is 33F36 at 114 CRM, a product adapted to the western Corn Belt.

The products will be treated with Poncho 250 insecticide seed treatment, which offers protection against secondary insects such as wireworm, seed corn maggot, white grub and flea beetle. 

Stewardship requirements

YieldGard Rootworm technology has specific requirements regarding both insect resistance management and grain stewardship.  Pioneer customers who purchase hybrids with this technology will be required to have a signed Pioneer technology agreement on file. If the grower has a signed agreement on file, a new agreement will not be required.

Growers are reminded that refuge-planting requirements for YieldGard Rootworm technology is different from requirements associated with corn borer resistant technology.

Growers can plant up to 80 percent of corn acres with hybrid(s) containing the YieldGard Rootworm trait and must plant at least 20 percent of their acres with non-resistant hybrid(s).  In addition, the corn refuge can be treated for corn rootworm larvae and other soil pests with soil-applied, seed-applied or foliar insecticides.  The refuge also can be treated with a non-Bt insecticide to control late-season pests such as corn borer or corn rootworm beetle, however the hybrid(s) containing the YieldGard Rootworm trait also must be treated.

For details on Pioneer hybrids with the YieldGard Rootworm trait and hybrids available with Poncho 1240 seed-applied insecticide, growers should visit with their local provider of Pioneer brand products or visit www.pioneer.com.

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 solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier.  Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

^® Trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
¹  Trademark used under license from Monsanto Company.
²  Trademark of Bayer AG.