Growers can look for 17 new corn hybrids from the DEKALB brand that deliver a powerful combination of innovative technology and high yield potential. From DEKALB for 2004, growers will see new stacked trait hybrids as well as new Roundup Ready®, YieldGard Corn Borer and conventional hybrids that deliver high yields and consistent performance. 2004 also marks the launch of YieldGard Rootworm hybrids.

Last year, more Canadian corn growers planted DEKALB corn hybrids than ever before. "Overall, sales of DEKALB hybrids have almost doubled during the past five years," says Rob Hannam, Product Manager for Monsanto Canada. "We believe that's a result of our commitment to research and innovation, which has helped build a DEKALB product line-up that gives growers consistently high-yielding corn seed technology they can trust."

The DEKALB line-up will include five new Roundup Ready Corn 2/YieldGard Corn Borer stacked trait hybrids that deliver innovative technology which helps maximize yield potential.

New hybrids include: DKC26-79 (2175 CHU); DKC29-98 (2500 CHU); DKC33-11 (2575 CHU); DKC35-02 (2650 CHU) and DKC50-20 (3050 CHU). "Stacked trait hybrids set a new standard for yield potential," says Hannam. DEKALB hybrids draw their strength from Monsanto's vast research program, which year after year produces innovations to meet growers' needs.

"When you combine the yield potential of DEKALB's elite germplasm with simple, efficient weed control and season-long European corn borer protection, you have better control of environmental factors that reduce yield," says Hannam.

Corn Rootworm hybrids NEW for 2004

DEKALB will be the first to bring growers YieldGard Rootworm hybrids in 2004. Monsanto technology development representative Graham McGregor explains that hybrids with YieldGard Rootworm technology contain a protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that specifically targets corn rootworm larvae, allowing the corn plant to protect its roots against the damaging effects of corn rootworm.

YieldGard Rootworm corn has been shown to provide excellent season-long corn rootworm control and better consistency compared to corn rootworm insecticides and seed treatments, says McGregor.* "YieldGard Rootworm technology works better regardless of weather, time of planting or field conditions. It's easy to use, requiring no extra equipment, no application handling hassles, and it also reduces insecticide exposure."

"With the protection built into the seed, YieldGard Rootworm controls a damaging corn pest in a simple, convenient format," says Hannam. "Western and Northern corn rootworm continues to be a significant pest, especially on second year corn ground. This is another milestone in the continued growth of plant biotechnology."
When planting YieldGard Rootworm hybrids, growers are required to channel harvested grain to approved markets and to implement an insect resistance management program. For 2004, DEKALB will offer two YieldGard Rootworm hybrids: DKC42-23 (2850 CHU) and DKC46-24 (2950 CHU).

DEKALB will also introduce five new Roundup Ready Corn 2 hybrids, three new YieldGard Corn Borer hybrids and three new conventional hybrids for 2004 planting.