Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., today offers insight into its research programs on drought tolerance and forage product development by hosting an open house at its LaSalle, Colo., Research Center. The day-long event is open to growers and features a display of crop genetics technology designed to deliver cutting-edge value to producers throughout North America.

The Center, located 3 miles south of LaSalle, specializes in developing and testing corn hybrids for drought tolerance, a significant challenge for growers, and corn silage products for dairy and beef producers. In addition, Pioneer researchers at the Center also develop products to meet agronomic challenges for growers in the High Plains, including research to fight diseases such as head smut and Goss’s wilt.

The LaSalle Center was initially established in 2004 and this open house marks the first time that significant numbers of visitors have been invited to the field plots to review ongoing research at the site.

“By having this facility here, we deal with the same issues farmers face and Pioneer is able to evaluate products in those same conditions,” says Bill Curran, Ph.D., research scientist and location manager. “Our objective is to replicate what growers encounter and, by raising it to a higher level, we’re able to evaluate and develop better products that will bring greater value to our customers.”

In addition to field tours, the open house offers presentations by Pioneer researchers on cutting-edge genetics innovations, including forage product development, drought tolerance, corn hybrids with higher ethanol yields, insect protection traits and new corn hybrids. Among the speakers are Bill Niebur, vice president, Pioneer Crop Genetics Research and Development.

The Center tests and evaluates corn hybrids from the 95 to 110 relative maturities for grain and 100 to 118 relative maturities for silage. The facility is among the more than 90 Pioneer research locations in 25 countries that evaluate crop genetics for Pioneer customers.

At the LaSalle location, Pioneer researchers evaluate more than 60,000 yield test plots on the more than 200 acres of land located at the Center and out-lying areas. The facility employs six full-time research professionals with a summer crew of 12 and more than 60 individuals during the three-week pollination period. The workforce initiates about 120,000 plant pollinations per season.

The facility has highly controlled and sophisticated irrigation capabilities, including drip technology that allows researchers to better focus on drought evaluation efforts. This issue is very important since it is estimated that, at any one time, about a third of the corn production acres are under some form of drought challenge.

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.