Recent findings from nine years of cumulative field trials collected by NK* Brand Seeds researchers show European corn borer (ECB) caused significant damage to 88 percent of the 3,300 rated trials conducted. The research findings further confirmed real damage exists at even the lowest levels of infestation - demonstrating one ECB per corn plant can cause as much as a 6 percent yield loss.

"Corn borer is unpredictable and the yield damage is sometimes unrecognizable at low levels," said Marc Hennen, NK Brand corn marketing manager, Syngenta Seeds. "Yet research shows that over the past nine years, using an NK Brand Bt corn hybrid provides an average 7.7 bushel per acre yield advantage."

Grower reports echo the unpredictability of ECB damage. In a recent survey conducted by Syngenta Seeds, 85 percent of the more than 5,700 grower respondents reported damage from ECB to their 2003 crops. ECB is a leading cause of income loss for growers, estimated at $1 to $2 billion annually.

Since the mid-1990s, growers have had corn hybrid options with the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) built-in trait for effective control of ECB. Today, Bt corn hybrids are planted on 22 percent of the corn acres in the United States according to the National Corn Grower's Association.

Several Bt corn hybrid options are available from a number of seed companies. Still, researchers say not all Bt hybrids are created equally and recommend looking at efficacy and genetics, as well as disease resistance and herbicide tolerance options.

Hennen suggested a popular recommendation to combat ECB, corn rootworm (CRW) and secondary pests is NK Brand Bt corn hybrids with Cruiser Extreme* Pak CRW seed treatment. Available from Syngenta, the product combination is the only one on the market that offers high-yield performance and insect protection for up to 14 pests, including ECB and CRW. In addition, NK Brand Bt hybrids offer tolerance to Liberty® herbicide and full export approval to the European Union, Japan and other major U.S. grain trading countries.

"We look at the whole package for our customers so they have options - starting with elite germplasm, adding the Bt trait for ECB control and offering seed treatment for corn rootworm and secondary pest control," Hennen said. "Insect pests like corn borer can be devastating to yields and by working together, we can maximize the long-term potential of Bt hybrids and all continue to share in their benefits. Therefore, we remind growers to always plan for the 20 percent refuge acre requirement."

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2003 were approximately US $6.6 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

NK®, Cruiser Extreme* and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Liberty® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience.