|
Corn Growers Confirm Impact of Silent Yield Killer
Bt Corn Paying Dividends
Golden Valley, Minn. – March 3, 2004– Recent findings from nine
years of cumulative field trials collected by NKÒ Brand
Seeds researchers show European corn borer (ECB) caused significant
damage to 88 percent of the 3,300 rated trials conducted. The
research findings further confirmed real damage exists at even
the lowest levels of infestation – demonstrating one ECB per corn
plant can cause as much as a 6 percent yield loss.
“Corn borer is unpredictable and the yield damage is sometimes
unrecognizable at low levels,” said Marc Hennen, NK Brand corn
marketing manager, Syngenta Seeds. “Yet research shows that over
the past nine years, using an NK Brand Bt corn hybrid provides
an average 7.7 bushel per acre yield advantage.”
Grower reports echo the unpredictability of ECB damage. In a
recent survey conducted by Syngenta Seeds, 85 percent of the more
than 5,700 grower respondents reported damage from ECB to their
2003 crops. ECB is a leading cause of income loss for growers,
estimated at $1 to $2 billion annually.
Since the mid-1990s, growers have had corn hybrid options with
the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) built-in trait for effective control
of ECB. Today, Bt corn hybrids are planted on 22 percent of the
corn acres in the United States according to the National Corn
Grower’s Association.
Several Bt corn hybrid options are available from a number of
seed companies. Still, researchers say not all Bt hybrids are
created equally and recommend looking at efficacy and genetics,
as well as disease resistance and herbicide tolerance options.
Hennen suggested a popular recommendation to combat ECB, corn
rootworm (CRW) and secondary pests is NK Brand Bt corn hybrids
with Cruiser ExtremeÔ Pak CRW seed treatment. Available
from Syngenta, the product combination is the only one on the
market that offers high-yield performance and insect protection
for up to 14 pests, including ECB and CRW. In addition, NK Brand
Bt hybrids offer tolerance to Liberty® herbicide and full
export approval to the European Union, Japan and other major U.S.
grain trading countries.
“We look at the whole package for our customers so they have
options – starting with elite germplasm, adding the Bt trait for
ECB control and offering seed treatment for corn rootworm and
secondary pest control,” Hennen said. “Insect pests like corn
borer can be devastating to yields and by working together, we
can maximize the long-term potential of Bt hybrids and all continue
to share in their benefits. Therefore, we remind growers to always
plan for the 20 percent refuge acre requirement.”
For more information about NK Brand Bt hybrids or the threat
of ECB damage, contact your local NK Brand dealer or visit www.nk-us.com.
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable
agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company
is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value
commercial seeds market. Sales in 2003 were approximately US $6.6
billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries.
Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New
York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.
NK®, Cruiser ExtremeÔ and the Syngenta
logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
Liberty® is a registered trademark of Bayer
CropScience.
Contact:
Bev Larson, NK Brand Advertising and PR Manager 763-593-7297 bev.larson@syngenta.com
News Archive |
