Technology

New Corn Technology Gives Farmers More Effective Insect Defense

Posted: 8/5/2010

New technology protects against corn earworms (left) compared to a corn ear without in-plant insect control (right).

(NAPSI) - Every season, farmers face the challenge of protecting their crops from a broad spectrum of insect pests. One of the most troublesome is the corn earworm, which can reduce yield and grain quality by feeding on the ear kernels. In fact, just three damaged kernels per ear can translate into a yield loss of one bushel per acre.

Multiple generations of corn earworm can invade cornfields from spring through September, causing the most damage when they synchronize with the corn silking. Female moths lay their eggs on corn silks or green leaf tissue near the ear. When the larvae hatch, they move rapidly down the silk channel to feed on the ear tips or midsection of the ear.

Until now, agronomists say, growers have more or less had to live with corn earworm damage. Use of insecticides is not economically feasible against this pest in field corn, and the proper timing of applications is difficult.

This season, farmers across the Corn Belt and in the South have a new defense against the corn earworm--Monsanto's Genuity® SmartStax™, Genuity® VT Triple PRO™ and Genuity® VT Double PRO™ corn. These biotechnology traits provide the first in-plant corn earworm protection, as well as controlling other damaging pests. Each of these products also offers reduced refuge benefits for farmers in the Corn and Cotton Belts.

Monsanto is also utilizing a sophisticated forecasting tool designed to alert farmers within days of when corn earworms could threaten their fields. The company is sponsoring the Insect Migration Risk Forecast (IMRF), which analyzes moth trapping data and weather patterns to predict the annual northern migration of corn earworms from the South. Farmers can learn more about the IMRF at www.insectforecast.com.

"Our goal is to help alert farmers when and wherever corn earworm pests are moving," explains Chism Craig, Monsanto Corn Traits Technical Development Manager. "This provides another tool to help make farmers aware of a pest that could potentially cause them yield loss."

For more information, visit www.genuity.com.

Always read and follow grain marketing and stewardship requirements and pesticide label directions.

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