Newest Choices for In-Plant Insect Protection in Corn

Pioneer hybrids start with base genetics that offer the agronomic traits and top yield potential you’ve come to expect. To protect your investment and genetic yield potential from the effects of insect pressure, we also offer in-plant insect protection options:

Pioneer corn hybrids with the Herculex® I gene - The only Bt gene offering in-plant control of western bean cutworm and black cutworm. In addition, this trait provides excellent season-long control of European corn borer (first and second brood), southwestern corn borer and fall armyworm, as well as moderate resistance to corn earworm. All Pioneer hybrids with the Herculex I trait also contain the LibertyLink® gene, allowing growers to control weeds with Liberty® herbicide. Marketing of grain harvested from products containing this trait is subject to the Market Choices^ program.

Herculex® RW^ rootworm protection is a Bt trait that offers a high level of protection against northern, western and Mexican corn rootworm. It provides season-long rootworm protection for the entire root system to safeguard yield potential. This unique trait, which includes two proteins instead of one, controls rootworm larvae and reduces adult rootworm beetle emergence by an average of 92%. This reduces the risk of silk-clipping and late-season feeding.

Herculex® XTRA^ offers the broadest spectrum of “in-the-seed” above and below ground insect control available by combining Herculex I and Herculex RW insect protection traits.

Pioneer corn hybrids with the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene - Season-long control of European and southwestern corn borer along with intermediate resistance to corn earworm and above average resistance to fall armyworm. This trait provides protection against potential harvest loss from stalk and ear shank tunneling and kernel feeding. The result is a healthier plant that can attain maximum yield potential.

Pioneer corn hybrids with the YieldGard® Rootworm gene - Season-long in-plant protection targeted at northern, western and Mexican corn rootworm larvae, offering season-long control including late-season hatches. Plant root mass is protected, for better nutrient and water intake. With the YieldGard Rootworm gene there is no special application equipment, no need to handle traditional soil-applied insecticides. Marketing of grain harvested from products containing this trait is subject to the Market Choices program.

Pioneer® brand hybrids with the YieldGard Plus® (YGPL) trait - These hybrids have two insect protection genes: the YieldGard Corn Borer (YGCB) gene and the YieldGard Rootworm (YGRW) gene. Hybrids with the YGPL trait control European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, southern cornstalk borer and sugarcane borer, and suppress corn earworm, fall armyworm and stalk borer along with providing control of western corn rootworm, northern corn rootworm, and Mexican corn rootworm throughout the larval feeding period.

Pioneer corn hybrids with stacked traits - To add value to your seed investment, Pioneer researchers have developed stacked hybrids featuring genes for both corn borer and rootworm resistance, plus the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait.