Syngenta reported today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted registration approval for its triple corn trait stack Agrisure™ CB/LL/RW. This approval also allows Syngenta to offer its quad corn trait stack Agrisure GT/CB/LL/RW.

The new triple stack, with full availability for the 2007 planting season, combines the proven season-long corn borer protection and Liberty® herbicide tolerance of Agrisure CB/LL with the superior corn rootworm control of Agrisure RW, which received EPA approval in October, 2006. The quad stack, which will be available in the 2008 planting season, combines corn borer and rootworm protection, along with tolerance to both Liberty and glyphosate herbicides for broad spectrum weed control. USDA authorization to ship the triple stack trait is expected to be in time for 2007 planting.

In addition to the triple stack, Syngenta will also market Agrisure RW and Agrisure GT/RW (rootworm control plus glyphosate tolerance) through Garst, Golden Harvest, and NK® Brand, as well as other elite seed brands. “The introduction of these latest trait stacks demonstrates Syngenta’s continued commitment to providing growers with new choices in innovative new technologies and more control of the crop input decisions that help them increase their productivity,” says Jack Bernens, head of Agrisure Corn Traits. “Combining the protection of these two powerful Agrisure insect-control traits gives growers outstanding results while providing the peace of mind that comes with Agrisure assurances and the flexibility of the Syngenta AgriEdge™ Corn system.”

The Agrisure CB/LL component of the triple stack has demonstrated a 7 bu/ac yield advantage in comparison to the same genetics without the CB/LL trait. In addition to unsurpassed European corn borer control, the CB/LL trait also provides growers with excellent control of Southwestern corn borer, suppression of fall armyworm, Southern cornstalk borer and corn earworm. The Agrisure RW component of the triple stack has demonstrated best-in-class performance across extensive Syngenta and university field trials from 2004-2006. Specifically, in 2006 trials, when stacked with CB/LL, Syngenta studies have shown a 42 bushel yield advantage in comparison to the same genetics without the RW or CB/LL traits.

A leader in biotech, Syngenta employs a unique, industry-leading conversion process to ensure the performance of the trait, while maximizing the hybrid’s yield potential. Agrisure CB/LL/RW is powered by Bt11 (Bacillus thuringiensis) for protection from European corn borer and other damaging insects; Liberty herbicide tolerance for an effective alternative to glyphosate in postemergence weed management; and a modified synthetic (mCry3A) gene for industry leading control of northern, western and Mexican corn rootworms.

“Syngenta was the first to introduce Bt for control of corn borer,” Bernens says. “This newest trait stack will provide growers with a new tool for more complete insect control, built right in to leading hybrids.”

For the 2007 season, growers who plant a corn hybrid with any Agrisure trait, including Agrisure CB/LL/RW, automatically receive comprehensive assurances, such as added protection against adverse weather conditions and other occurrences that result in trait loss. In addition, growers are eligible for the AgriEdge Corn system, which combines premium genetics, traits and crop protection solutions to maximize yield. The AgriEdge program includes flexibility in crop input decisions with additional assurances and trait reinvestments.

"The AgriEdge program is an unprecedented crop production system,” says Rex Wichert, AgriEdge Corn business manager. “Growers have the flexibility to choose which products work for their farm. They have the support of industry-leading assurances to get the most out of each acre. Growers can enjoy a wide-range of crop solutions and pay only for the technology they use, as Syngenta reimburses the grower for the full value of the unused trait.”

Syngenta introduced Agrisure biotech traits for corn in 2005 with Agrisure GT. The Agrisure traits lineup has grown substantially and now includes Agrisure GT, Agrisure LL, Agrisure CB/LL, Agrisure GT/CB/LL, Agrisure RW, Agrisure GT/RW and the recently approved Agrisure CB/LL/RW.

For more information about Agrisure traits, visit www.agrisuretraits.com