DuPont Statement on Final Regulatory Approval of the Herculex® RW Rootworm Insect Protection Trait

-- Exciting New Trait Now Available for U.S. Farmers --

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 5 -- Dean Oestreich, president, DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., issued the following statement on the announcement of full U.S. cultivation, food and feed regulatory approval of the Herculex® RW Rootworm Insect Protection Trait:

"With today's approval, farmers have access to a key new option to help them battle corn rootworm during the next growing season. Pioneer is excited to bring growers the latest in high-performing rootworm protection and to provide them with yet another option to increase yield and maximize their acre-by-acre performance.

"Corn rootworm is a significant challenge in the United States, costing farmers an estimated $1 billion annually. Growers now have a new weapon in fighting this battle. Herculex RW is the second trait commercialized by Pioneer, joining the Herculex I corn borer product which was launched in 2004.

"Pioneer has the richest product pipeline in our history. With high-performing genetics, new technologies and the know-how to drive value for our customers, Herculex RW is just one of many innovations growers can benefit from in the coming years.

"We are looking for the final U.S. approval for Herculex XTRA later this year, which contains the stacked traits of Herculex I and Herculex RW. When on the market, this stacked product will offer growers the broadest in-plant insect protection available."

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions, and quality crop systems to customers. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Visit our newsroom for up-to-date information at Pioneer Technology Pipeline.

You will find a snapshot of the future traits and elite germplasm Pioneer is currently discovering, developing, testing and commercializing within its global research organization. This pipeline represents concepts and future products that we believe will bring farmers the greatest value and ultimately benefit the entire food and energy value chain.

Contact Info

Stephanie Jacobson
515-334-6515 office
515-201-3496 cell

SOURCE: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.