Management recommendations focus on effective use, minimizing weed shifts/resistance

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., announces the introduction of 40 new Pioneer^® brand corn hybrids containing the Roundup Ready¹ gene.  This technology allows postemergence application of Roundup²-branded herbicides without crop injury or stress.

The hybrids range from 77 to 116 comparative relative maturity.  Most are conversions of tried-and-true yield-leading hybrids with which growers are familiar.   Several also offer in-plant protection from European corn borer and other insect pests.  Supplies of some of the newly released products, however, will be limited, and growers should contact their local Pioneer representative for information on products available in their areas and suited to their individual farms.

“Finding a hybrid with the genetics and yield potential that fits the agronomic needs of a particular farm or field should be a grower’s first consideration,” says Kyle Whitaker, Pioneer corn technology launch manager.  “Pioneer’s local seed representatives know what situations growers in their area face.  They can help identify the right hybrid and advise whether the Roundup Ready system is the right choice, based on weed challenges, desired application timing and other considerations.”
 

Agronomic advice maximizes benefits of Roundup Ready systems
 

Pioneer now offers a total of nearly 50 hybrids and more than 60 soybean varieties with the Roundup Ready gene and will continue to expand its product lineup with products to meet grower demand.
 

“Growers obviously recognize value from the Roundup Ready herbicide program,” says Paul Carter, agronomist and global agronomy sciences manager at Pioneer.  “However, we all need to realize there is no one-size-fits-all herbicide program.  Rotating herbicide modes of action, using two-pass programs and tank-mixing products to broaden efficacy and deliver residual control are all sound weed-management strategies that can be applied to meet specific weed challenges.”
 

To assist growers, Pioneer has developed a full spectrum of management recommendations for growers using Roundup-branded herbicides in crop rotation programs involving corn and soybeans with the Roundup Ready gene. 
 

“Pitfalls in continuous use of Roundup herbicide, such as weed resistance and weed shifts, have been identified, but we believe growers will be able to use this technology on an annual basis for years to come, provided the technology is managed effectively,” Carter adds.

As an example, Carter cites a situation in which growers experience season-long pressure from grasses but want to use a one-pass program for weed control in corn.  Tank mixing a preemergence grass-control product with Roundup is an option that provides the benefits of a one-pass program.  This combination offers burndown of existing weeds plus residual activity against grassy weeds that have not yet emerged. 

Such a program can be employed in areas where no resistant weeds have been identified and weed-resistance monitoring programs are in place.  This program also will help reduce shifts to grass weeds that emerge after the Roundup application and throughout the growing season.

“Pioneer is the industry leader in providing research-based crop-management information to help growers optimize productivity,” Whitaker says. “We will continue to do so, and part of that is reminding our customers that a herbicide program protects but does not determine yield potential of a hybrid or variety.”

For details on the newest Pioneer hybrids and the Roundup Ready weed-management program most appropriate for their individual situation, growers should visit with their local provider of Pioneer brand products.

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.