Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. celebrates its West Memphis Research Center in Proctor, Arkansas, with a grower field day today, showcasing its latest soybean crop genetics technology.

The Pioneer West Memphis Research Center, located on Highway 70 west of West Memphis, Arkansas, conducts cutting-edge crop research on soybeans for growers in the mid-South and Delta regions, as well as conducting wheat research for the region. Several hundred growers are expected to tour the facilities and listen to background briefings from Pioneer research professionals on the latest advances in soybean crop genetics.

Built in 2001, the Center conducts advanced crop research on 150 acres in the Proctor, Ark., area and 115 rented acres from Greenville Mississippi, to Sikeston, Missouri. The Center has five full-time soybean research employees and one full-time employee in wheat research.

The field day features seven soybean sessions for growers, highlighting the research conducted at the Center and other research facilities throughout the Pioneer organization. Keynote speaker is Dr. John Soper, Pioneer soybean research director, who will provide a broad overview of Pioneer's worldwide soybean research program. Other presentation topics include "Pioneer Technology in Action: Marker Assisted Selection" and "Evaluating Planting Dates and Maturities for Optimum Soybean Yield."

Attendees also will have the chance to tour test plots, gaining firsthand experience of the latest soybean crop genetics research.

"This is an opportunity for growers to see innovative soybean research that will bring the next generation of field crop value to growers of our region," says Dr. Mark Hood, research scientist at the Center. "Pioneer has demonstrated its long-term commitment to growers in the mid-South and Delta by building this research farm and staffing this modern facility to address specific crop needs of our growers."

This Center tests more than 110,000 soybean yield test plots per year, including progeny plots, replicated plots and screening nurseries for multiple diseases found in the region. These are part of the entire mix of Pioneer’s worldwide soybean research that includes more than 1 million plots planted each year.

The West Memphis Research Center is one of 14 soybean research locations in North America. Pioneer researchers are committed to improving harvestable yield, as well as reducing crop losses, grower input costs and risks through incorporation of disease and herbicide resistance into soybeans. Researchers also are creating new value and new uses of soybean crops by improving the quality of grain produced and developing traits for end-users to expand the marketplace for growers.

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.