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News Release
IN-PLANT PROTECTION OUT-PERFORMS ROOTWORM INSECTICIDES
8/9/1999
Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN and Des Moines, IA, Aug.
9, 1999 — A research collaboration between Dow AgroSciences LLC and Pioneer
Hi-Bred International, Inc., has produced the most promising lead in developing corn
hybrids with in-plant protection against the corn rootworm -- a pest that costs US farmers
$1 billion annually.
Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer announced today their field
tests are showing corn plants with corn rootworm protection far exceeding what chemical
insecticides provide farmers currently. US farmers could have seed products with the new
trait by 2002 if regulatory reviews go as planned.
"This is great news for farmers and the
environment," said Roger Kemble, Pioneer research director. "Field tests have
confirmed we can protect corn from this very challenging pest in a way that is more
effective, efficient, and provides a non-chemical alternative."
Several companies, including Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer,
have discussed progress with other approaches to in-plant corn rootworm protection. But
the Dow AgroSciences-Pioneer approach is the first to consistently show the highest level
of corn rootworm resistance possible.
"We have been excited about the potential of these
experimental products for some time," said Ron Meeusen, Vice President for R&D
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology at Dow AgroSciences. "The results of this
summer’s field tests confirmed we have reached a major milestone in our research
collaboration."
Pioneer and Mycogen Corporation, a company acquired by Dow
in 1998, formed their 10-year research collaboration in Dec., 1995, to develop high-value
insect resistance traits from the bacillus family. This includes traits such as corn
rootworm resistance. Once effective genes are discovered, they are incorporated in to each
company’s proprietary genetics – Pioneer into its hybrids and Dow AgroSciences
into its Mycogen Seeds hybrids. In addition, Dow AgroSciences has the ability to license
these genes to other seed companies.
Corn rootworms feed on the plant’s root system
reducing its yield and ability to withstand wind and a farmer’s ability to harvest
the fallen crop. To minimize the losses, US farmers treated 14.4 million acres with soil
insecticides at a cost of $195 million in 1998, according to a 1998 survey of corn growers
by Doane Marketing Research, Inc.
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, IN, is a
global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the
quality and quantity of the earth's food supply and contribute to the safety, health and
quality of life of the world's growing population. The company employs more than 3,500
people in over 53 countries and has worldwide sales of approximately $2.5 billion. Dow
AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. For more
information visit the company web site at www.dowagro.com.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., (NYSE-PHB) is the
world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and is the leading developer and
integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer
develops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, forage/grain additives and services
to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide. For more
information visit the company web site at www.pioneer.com.
Contacts:
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