Grain corn containing the Herculex(TM) I Insect Protection trait has received regulatory approval for import into China, further expanding the number of key overseas markets accepting grain with this important production trait.

Corn with the Herculex I trait has already received full food, feed and import approval from Japan, as well as similar approvals in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, it has also been approved for import by the respective regulatory bodies in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, Mexico and the Philippines.

The Herculex I trait, a Bt gene, is the first in a new generation of in-plant insect-protection traits for corn.  This family is being developed in a research collaboration between Dow AgroSciences LLC, a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a world leader in seed technology and seed products.

"China is a key expanding overseas export market for U.S. corn grain and this approval is great news for growers," says Bob Iwig, vice president, Pioneer global marketing.  "This approval -- along with the other regulatory approvals around the globe -- shows the growing international acceptance of the safety of grain with the Herculex I trait."

"There is great interest and demand among U.S. growers for the advanced insect protection Herculex I provides," notes Wally Thingelstad, traits marketing and communications manager at Dow AgroSciences.  "We're excited that China has gone forward with regulatory approval and formalized a temporary import approval it had granted previously for the trait."

Herculex I protects the corn plant from more major insects than other Bt corn products on the market, providing growers with full-season protection against this broader insect spectrum.  The Herculex I trait protects against European and southwestern corn borer and expands protection to include black cutworm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm.  This product also provides tolerance to Liberty(R) herbicide which controls more than 100 grass and broadleaf weeds on contact.

While Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer pooled their talents to research, develop and seek regulatory approval for the new technology, they will continue to independently market and sell corn hybrids containing the Herculex I trait on a competitive basis.  Herculex I was launched by Pioneer and Mycogen Seeds, Dow AgroSciences' retail seed brand, in 2003.  In addition, Dow AgroSciences has exclusive licensing rights for Herculex I and has licensed the technology to numerous retail seed companies.

Pending regulatory approval in all major world markets, grain from hybrids with the Herculex I trait is subject to marketing and export restrictions.

As part of this collaboration between Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences, additional insect protection traits are being developed for other corn pests. The next trait, targeted at corn rootworm, will be launched after completion of research evaluations and regulatory approvals.

Corn products with built-in pest protection are beneficial to farmers and agriculture by protecting plants better than conventional practices, easing farm labor requirements and reducing traditional insecticide treatments.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's food supply and contribute to the health and quality of life of the world's growing population. Dow AgroSciences has approximately 5,700 people in more than 50 countries dedicated to its business, and has worldwide sales of US $3 billion. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.

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.

(TM)Herculex is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
(R)Liberty is a registered trademark of Bayer. 
Herculex(TM) I Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred.