Garst Seed Company announces today that limited quantities of a single, non-StarLink corn hybrid produced by Garst in 1998 appear to contain a small percentage of the Cry9C protein. This is the same protein found in StarLink corn.

Garst discovered the presence of the Cry9C protein through its on-going seed quality testing
procedures in samples of Garst 8481IT hybrid. Garst is working with customers and resellers who may have planted or resold this variety and are taking steps to notify them.

"Initial tests for the presence of Cry9C protein have been positive for limited quantities of this one
hybrid, but we do not yet know how it got there,'' says David Witherspoon, president of Garst Seed Company. "We have also tested our 1999 and 2000 crops of this hybrid, and to date no Cry9C protein has been discovered in those production crops. Therefore, the volume which contains the Cry9C protein appears to be small. We are making every responsible effort to notify affected parties and the appropriate regulatory authorities. We have asked Aventis CropScience to make its StarLink Logistics apparatus available.

"We recognize and regret the disruption this causes, and we intend to work with affected parties to minimize this disruption,'' adds Witherspoon.

The company is continuing the use of a toll-free telephone number for growers who may have questions and concerns. That telephone number is: 800-831-6630, extension 5277. 

Company news release
N3139