High-performing corn rootworm trait from Syngenta to be available for 2007 planting

Syngenta reported today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted registration approval for Agrisure™ RW, a new corn trait that provides exceptional control of rootworm while delivering full yield potential.  Agrisure RW will be available individually and in stacks with Agrisure GT (glyphosate tolerance) in leading hybrids from NK® Brand, Garst®, Golden Harvest® and other seed brands for the 2007 planting season.

Agrisure RW is a modified synthetic (mCry3Aa) gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for control of northern, western and Mexican corn rootworms.  Extensive testing by Syngenta and nine Midwest universities has shown that Agrisure RW demonstrates industry leading control of rootworms, resulting in a 32-bushel-per-acre yield advantage over untreated rootworm-infested trials and, in Syngenta studies, no yield drag when compared to the hybrid isoline.

“Syngenta maintains the yield performance of the hybrid by integrating trait genes such as Agrisure RW directly into elite lines,” says Steve Knodle, marketing manager, Agrisure traits.  “The result is a rapid, efficient transfer of just the desired DNA into new hybrids.  For Agrisure RW, this means outstanding control of rootworms without compromising the performance of the corn hybrid.”

Syngenta introduced Agrisure biotech traits for corn globally in 2005 with the introduction of Agrisure GT.  The Agrisure traits lineup has grown substantially and now includes Agrisure GT, Agrisure LL, Agrisure CB/LL (season-long corn borer control with LIBERTY® herbicide tolerance), Agrisure GT/CB/LL, Agrisure RW and Agrisure GT/RW.

Agrisure RW and Agrisure GT/RW will be available for the 2007 planting season.  Syngenta expects to receive regulatory approval for Agrisure CB/LL/RW in the next few months and approval for its quad stack – Agrisure GT/CB/LL/RW – for availability in the 2008 planting season.

Mode of Action/Performance

Agrisure RW provides control over newly hatched rootworms through the first larval instar as they begin to feed on corn roots.  The larvae are affected as soon as they consume the unique Bt protein in the roots.  The Bt protein works in the stomach of the rootworms to eliminate the pest.

“Agrisure RW has met our high standards through rigorous testing conducted throughout the Corn Belt, including fields with very high levels of rootworm pressure,” Knodle says.

The introduction of Agrisure RW comes after more than 60 trials conducted by nine midwestern universities and Syngenta1 over a three-year period.  In trials with economic pest pressure, Agrisure RW provided an average root rating of 0.22 (on a 0-to-3 node-injury scale, with 0.01 representing no feeding damage and 3.00 being the highest level of root damage), well below the industry-accepted economic threshold.  Untreated check plots showed an average root rating of 1.51 over the same time period.  Agrisure RW averaged 89 percent consistency of control over the same trials and under varying weather conditions.  Consistency is a measure of how often root ratings average 0.5 or less.  In comparison, untreated control plots averaged 33 percent consistency.

For the 2007 season, growers who plant a corn hybrid with any Agrisure trait, including Agrisure RW, receive comprehensive assurances such as added protection against adverse weather conditions and other occurrences that result in trait loss.  In addition, they are automatically eligible for AgriEdge™ Corn programs, which combine premium genetics, traits and crop protection solutions to maximize yield.  AgriEdge includes unprecedented flexibility in crop input decisions with additional industry-leading assurances and trait reinvestments of up to $36 per unit of seed.

"Growers enjoy unmatched flexibility with AgriEdge,” says Rex Wichert, AgriEdge Corn business manager.  “For example, if a grower plants a hybrid with the Agrisure™ GT (glyphosate tolerant) corn trait but does not use the trait because of in-season adjustments to weed control plans, Syngenta reimburses the grower for the full value of the unused trait.  This feature allows growers extra flexibility to focus on maximizing the full yield potential of the hybrid’s genetics and pay only for the technology they use.”