HORTIMILUS New Corn Technology Means Fewer Pests (NAPSA)—U.S corn growers have a new option to control corn rootworm and corn borer. This maybe good newsfor farmers and consumers, given that the pests rob over $1 billion in yields from the corn industry. (| To get an entire season of in- plant protection against yield-robbing corn borer and rootworm pests, a new corn technology was developed, called YieldGard Plus, which combines the two specific genes found in YieldGard Rootworm and YieldGard Corn Borer into one convenient hybrid. YieldGard Plus also offers broadspectrum, in-the-bag insect control of white grub, wireworm, sugar cane borer, southern corn stalk borer, seed corn maggots, early flea beetle, and suppresses earworm, fall armyworm and stalk borer. According to David Rhylander, Monsanto’s U.S. Trait Technologies Director, “YieldGard Plus provides a powerful tool to control corn. It provides more pest control than leading insecticides and enables the corn plant to develop maximum root systems andhealthier stalks.” Rhylander also says the product offers growers more than rootworm and corn borer control. It gives them a farm management tool that maximizes their crop’s yield potential and profitability. It’s reported that during 20038, farmers using the product demonstrated a 14-bushel yield advantage in field trials. Experts say this kind of increase in yields means growers could see a higher profit potential. “The 14-bushelyield advantage translates into a return of $20 more per acre than conventional corn treated with insecticides, making YieldGard Plus oneof the Fighting pests in a way that leads to an increase in yields means growers could see a higher profit potential. most profitable corn systems available,” says Rhylander. According to Todd DeGooyer, the company’s Trait Technical Development Manager, one way the new technology will maximize yield potential is by making a big difference in the amount of nutrients and moisture a plant can sendto its corn ears. Said DeGooyer, “The nutrient and moisture uptake capabilities of a corn plant’s roots and stalk are essential to maximum performance. Having a tool that provides protection from pests that feed on these areas can make a difference in yields.” In addition, the new hybrid offers growers increased convenience by reducing the need to handle insecticides separately. Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON)—the seed’s maker—is described as a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information visit the Web site at www.monsanto.com.
