Pioneer Releases New Alfalfa Varieties

DES MOINES - Dec 19/06 - SNS -- Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. is releasing three new, genetically modified alfalfa varieties for the 2007 planting season -- 54R02, 53H92 and 54V09.

Pioneer said 54R02 is a high-yielding, four-dormant variety with good forage quality, and it displays strong winter hardiness and an excellent disease-resistance package. 54R02 includes Roundup Ready technology and can be used in most alfalfa-growing regions.

The company says 53H92 is a high-yielding, three-dormant variety, shows exceptional resistance to potato leafhoppers and also has good forage quality. The disease-resistance package for this variety adapts well to areas with annual potato leafhopper infestations from eastern Nebraska and South Dakota to the eastern United States and Canada.

Pioneer said 54V09 is another high-yielding, four-dormant variety, demonstrates excellent nematode resistance for most western environments. It performs well in winter conditions and has an outstanding disease-resistance package.