EPA Approves Use of Herculex XTRA Gene

DES MOINES - Oct 31/05 - SNS --The United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has approved use of the Herculex XTRA insect protection gene in corn hybrids.

Dow AgroSciences LLC and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. say corn hybrids containing the trait will be available in the United States in 2006.

Herculex XTRA contains both the Herculex I Insect Protection and Herculex RW Rootworm Protection traits. Herculex I protects the corn plant against European and southwestern corn borer, western bean cutworm, black cutworm and fall armyworm and Herculex RW protects the plant against western, northern and Mexican corn rootworm. Also, the corn rootworm trait provides excellent root protection and dramatically reduces adult rootworm emergence.

The Herculex XTRA traits will be available in hybrids from Pioneer, Mycogen Seeds and Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. Each company will determine which seed corn hybrids will contain the Herculex XTRA traits and when these hybrids will be introduced into the marketplace.

All Herculex traits, including Herculex XTRA, have LibertyLink technology, providing tolerance to LIBERTY herbicide which controls more than 100 grass and broadleaf weed species on contact.

Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer are seeking grain import approvals for Japan and other key export markets. Pending regulatory approval in all major world markets, grain from hybrids with the Herculex XTRA traits will be subject to market-channeling and export restrictions.