A research collaboration between Dow AgroSciences LLC and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. has produced the most promising lead in developing corn hybrids with in-plant protection against
the corn rootworm, a pest that costs U.S. farmers $1 billion annually.

Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer announced today their field tests are showing corn plants with corn rootworm protection far exceeding what chemical insecticides provide farmers currently. U.S. farmers could have seed products with the new trait by 2002 if regulatory reviews go as planned.

"This is great news for farmers and the environment,'' said Roger Kemble, Pioneer research
director. "Field tests have confirmed we can protect corn from this very challenging pest in a way that is more effective, efficient, and provides a non-chemical alternative.''

Several companies, including Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer, have discussed progress with other approaches to in-plant corn rootworm protection. But the Dow AgroSciences-Pioneer approach is the first to consistently show the highest level of corn rootworm resistance possible.

"We have been excited about the potential of these experimental products for some time,'' said Ron Meeusen, Vice President for R&D Plant Genetics and Biotechnology at Dow AgroSciences. "The results of this summer's field tests confirmed we have reached a major milestone in our research collaboration.''

Pioneer and Mycogen Corporation, a company acquired by Dow in 1998, formed their 10-year research collaboration in December, 1995, to develop high-value insect resistance traits from the bacillus family. This includes traits such as corn rootworm resistance. Once effective genes are discovered, they are incorporated into each company's proprietary genetics - Pioneer into its hybrids and Dow AgroSciences into its Mycogen Seeds hybrids. In addition, Dow AgroSciences has the ability to license these genes to other seed companies.

Corn rootworms feed on the plant's root system reducing its yield and ability to withstand wind and a farmer's ability to harvest the fallen crop. To minimize the losses, U.S. farmers treated 14.4 million acres with soil insecticides at a cost of $195 million in 1998, according to a 1998 survey of corn growers by Doane Marketing Research, Inc.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, IN, is a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's food supply and contribute to the safety, health and quality of life of the world's growing population. The company employs more than 3,500 people in over 53 countries and has worldwide sales of approximately $2.5 billion. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. is the world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and is the leading developer and integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, forage/grain additives and services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

Company news release
N2040