The rapid increase in the number of available hybrid corn genetics, traits and stack combinations has added convenience to modern crop production, but it also adds a new level of complexity to the planting process.  NK is introducing a new hybrid naming system as part of the 2008 NK product launch to simplify these choices and help corn growers more quickly identify the traits in the hybrids they are planting. 

“For the 2008 planting season, we are excited to be offering more trait and stacked choices than ever before,” said Marshall Kostiuk, NK corn marketing manager, with Syngenta. “In addition to providing our customers a range of productivity solutions, we want to give them the tools to manage those choices in the most convenient and efficient way. That is why we are implementing an updated naming system for NK® hybrids.”

Using two basic components — a hybrid series and a trait designator — the new NK system will enable growers to easily recognize related hybrids with characteristics adapted to their farm and to efficiently select the desired Agrisure® insect and herbicide traits.

Hybrid Series

The new hybrid series label, which will be used as the first part of each hybrid name, allows for quick identification of different trait versions of hybrids developed from the same base genetics. Hybrids within a series generally share common agronomic features and positioning recommendations. The two-digit number also indicates the relative maturity of the hybrids.  

Agrisure Trait Designator

In each hybrid name, the new Agrisure trait designator follows the hybrid series and serves to indicate herbicide tolerance and insect resistance traits included.  Future traits and stack combinations will be accommodated by updating the trait designator.

New NK corn hybrid name and trait designation system examples:

Example Hybrid Series		Description
N41C	Hybrid Series	Hybrids with the series designation were developed from the same base genetics and share common agronomic highlights and recommended positioning.
N41C	Relative Maturity	Relative maturity – first number indicates Zone 4, second indicates early within that zone, with 0 earliest and 9 latest.
Example Hybrid Name	Agrisure Trait Designator	Trait Description
N41C-00	00	Conventional – No herbicide trait and no insect trait (suitable for refuge acres)
N41C-GT	GT	Glyphosate tolerance No insect trait (suitable for refuge acres)
N41C-LL	LL	LibertyLink® technology with tolerance to LIBERTY® herbicide (glufosinate-ammonium) No insect trait (suitable for refuge acres)
N41C-CB/LL	CB/LL	European corn borer resistance LibertyLink technology with tolerance to LIBERTY herbicide
N41C-GT/CB/LL	GT/CB/LL	Glyphosate tolerance European corn borer resistance LibertyLink technology with tolerance to LIBERTY herbicide
N41C-CB/LL/RW	CB/LL/RW	European corn borer resistance LibertyLink technology with tolerance to LIBERTY herbicide Corn rootworm resistance
N41C-3000GT	3000GT	Glyphosate tolerance European corn borer resistance LibertyLink technology with tolerance to LIBERTY herbicide Corn rootworm resistance

15 New NK Hybrid Series Introduced for 2008

For 2008 planting, growers can select from an NK hybrid line-up with 15 completely new NK hybrid series, ranging in maturity from 75 days to 115 days, plus additions to current hybrid series for a total of 91 new hybrids.

"These 15 latest hybrid series feature more than 40 new hybrids with a variety of trait and stacked trait combinations and one conventional hybrid, providing our growers with an unprecedented amount of new options with trusted NK germplasm,” Kostiuk said. “Developed through the strong Syngenta pipeline of high-performing genetics and biotechnology research, they add even more freedom of choice to the already broad NK brand hybrid portfolio.”

Nearly all of the new hybrids feature Agrisure traits for insect control and weed management options as the basis for productivity solutions that, in combination with Syngenta crop protection products, can provide more yield and profit. In addition, all 91 hybrids feature agronomic characteristics for maximum performance across varied environments and management situations, including continuous corn acres.

For more information about building a productivity solution for your acres with NK hybrids, contact your NK retailer or representative, or visit www.nk-us.com

NK is a trusted hybrid corn, soybean and alfalfa seed supplier with more than 100 years of service in the marketplace. Backed by the resources and research of Syngenta™, NK provides customers top-performing genetics, trait choices and flexible productivity solutions for maximum yield and profit, delivered though retail-based partnerships.  Located in Golden Valley, Minn., NK is a business unit of Syngenta Seeds, Inc.

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 2006 were approximately $8.1 billion.  Syngenta employs around 21,000 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®, Agrisure® and Backed by the resources and research of Syngenta™ are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.  NK is a business unit of Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
LIBERTY® and LibertyLink® are trademarks of Bayer CropScience.