Two seed-applied insecticide choices from Pioneer will meet grower needs for convenient, safe, effective control of early-season corn soil insects

Growers can get their corn crop off to a healthy, vigorous start by protecting seed with one of two seed-applied insecticides available on selected Pioneer^® brand hybrids for the 2005 planting season.  Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., will offer Poncho1 250 and Poncho 1250 insecticide seed treatments to meet the early-season soil and foliar insect control needs of growers across the country.

“Field reports indicate insecticide seed treatments (ISTs) have been extremely effective at protecting high-yielding Pioneer genetics from damaging insects during the 2004 growing season,” says Kyle Whitaker, corn technology launch manager for Pioneer. “The popularity of and demand for ISTs among customers in 2004 shows growers appreciate the technology for its safety, convenience and effective pest protection.”

Broad-spectrum protection available

In combination, Poncho 1250 and Pioneer brand hybrids with Herculex² I insect protection provide the broadest scope of protection against corn insects. The Herculex I trait offers protection against European and southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm, while Poncho 1250 protects corn from corn rootwormand secondary insects.

Poncho 1250, the high-rate offering, will be available for growers who have a history of challenges from corn rootworm, billbug and other early-season pests.  According to research from the manufacturer Gustafson LLC, the rate of clothianidin provided in Poncho 1250 offers control of corn rootworm and billbug similar to the control provided by traditional soil-applied insecticides.  Poncho 1250 also offers early-season control of other insect pests including black cutworm, wireworm, white grub, seed corn maggot, flea beetle and chinch bug and is a convenient, economical solution for these pests. 

Poncho 250, which also contains clothianidin as the active ingredient, is also available from Pioneer.  According to Gustafson, Poncho 250 will provide protection for corn against black cutworm, wireworm, white grub, seed corn maggot, flea beetle, chinch bug and other insects listed on the label, from planting up to the V4 growth stage – formation of the 4th leaf collar.

“The decision to offer two IST options simplifies customer choices while continuing to provide IST value to them,” says Whitaker. “It helps growers protect their investment in Pioneer genetics by providing additional insect protection during the critical early stand-establishment period.”

The seed-applied insecticides provide both contact and systemic activity in corn plants and do not rely exclusively on contact and plant-surface coverage.  In addition, the treatments arrive at the farm on the seed and in the bag, eliminating time previously spent loading and calibrating granular and liquid soil-applied insecticide equipment.  There are no containers to handle and return, no extra requirements for disposal of seed bags and no special protective clothing in addition to what is normally recommended for handling seed corn. 

For more information about the seed-applied insecticide most appropriate for your individual operation, visit with your hometown Pioneer sales professional.

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.