China Approves Another GM Corn

DES MOINES - May 3/04 - SNS -- China has approved imports of corn containing the so-called Herculex I Insect Protection trait, based on a Bt gene.

Corn with the Herculex I trait has already received full food, feed and import approval from Japan, as well as similar approvals in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, it has also been approved for import by the respective regulatory bodies in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, Mexico and the Philippines.

Developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., the Bt gene is used to help combat the European and southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm. The variety developers also spliced in genes which provide tolerance to Liberty herbicide, used to kill an estimated 100 types of grass and broadleaf weed.

Pending regulatory approval in all major world markets, grain from hybrids with the Herculex I trait is subject to marketing and export restrictions.