Pioneer Hi-Bred Promises New Corn Genetics

DES MOINES - Jan 14/05 - SNS -- New base genetics from 16 hybrid families aimed at improving insect and herbicide resistance have been incorporated in 40 new corn hybrids being marketed this year by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

Of the 16 hybrids offering new base genetics, one white and 15 conventional hybrids have been advanced. This brings the 2005 Pioneer® brand corn offerings to 290 products for North America.

The company said its hybrids offer in-plant protection against common pests, such as corn rootworm (CRW) and European corn borer (ECB). Eight hybrids with ECB resistance and eight with CRW resistance are new for 2005. Of the eight hybrids with ECB resistance, seven contain the Herculex1 I insect protection gene that provides control of European and southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm. New hybrids with CRW resistance contain the YieldGard2 Rootworm gene for protection against corn rootworm feeding.

To meet the continued increase in demand for herbicide-resistant products, four of this year's new Pioneer hybrids contain the Roundup Ready2 Corn 2 trait, while three others offer the Roundup Ready trait stacked with ECB resistance and CRW resistance.

In addition, all Pioneer hybrids with the Herculex I trait also contain the LibertyLink3 gene, which provides resistance to Liberty3 herbicide.

Pioneer also offers two seed-applied insecticide options on the majority of Pioneer hybrids for 2005 - mid-rate Poncho3 250 and high-rate Poncho 1250. Pioneer corn hybrids combining Poncho 1250 with the Herculex I trait provide the industry's broadest spectrum of insect protection. Insecticide seed treatments provide convenient, safe and effective control of early-season soil and foliar insects.

In 2005, Pioneer will offer one new white hybrid (117 CRM) to complement the two white hybrids released in 2004. Pioneer also advanced four new yellow food-grade hybrids from 107 to 115 CRM and five new hybrids which meet milling criteria for high extractable starch (HES).

The 2005 class also includes five new hybrids with maturities ranging from 103 to 105 that are designated as high total fermentables (HTF) for enhanced ethanol yield.