USDA deregulates breakthrough Syngenta Seeds corn trait

Syngenta Seeds Inc. announced it has received deregulation from the USDA for the Agrisure Viptera trait.

The Agrisure Viptera trait will be combined with the Agrisure 3000GT trait stack to form the new Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack. The introduction of the Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack continues the tradition of the Agrisure Corn Traits system -- providing high-performance traits to growers looking for an alternative that delivers maximum productivity.

"U.S. agriculture benefits when growers have access to a broad array of trait choices," said David Morgan, president at Syngenta Seeds. "With the Agrisure Viptera trait, Syngenta is offering growers a totally new choice for insect control in a breakthrough product. Vip3A, a new mode of action for corn insect control discovered by Syngenta, makes this unprecedented level of control possible and it is a platform on which we will continue to build."

The Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack has demonstrated unsurpassed multi-pest control of 14 yield- and quality-robbing insects. The Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack is able to provide the broadest spectrum of above-ground insect control because of Vip3A, the industrys first non-Cry (non-crystalline) insect control protein. Vip3A has demonstrated highly effective control of the multi-pest complex, including corn earworm, fall armyworm, Western bean cutworm, black cutworm, dingy cutworm, stalk borer and sugarcane borer, among others.

Now, via the Agrisure Viptera trait and the Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack, growers have an in-seed defense against multi-pest complex insects. The Agrisure Viptera trait has the power to help U.S. corn growers recoup an estimated 238 million bushels of corn and $1.1 billion in annual yield and grain quality losses due to multi-pest complex damage. These pests are unpredictable, difficult to scout and challenging to treat with conventional insecticides. Corn earworm, which historically has had no viable control solution, is highly susceptible to the Agrisure Viptera trait.

Beyond in-field yield and grain quality reductions, the damage from the multi-pest complex also allows spores from fungi to gain access, proliferate and produce mycotoxins. Finding mold and mycotoxins in corn can be financially and emotionally devastating, as grain with concentrations above acceptable thresholds has limited to no market options.  In research conducted by Texas A&M University and Syngenta, the Agrisure Viptera trait demonstrated an ability to significantly reduce development of molds and mycotoxins.

Corn hybrids containing the Agrisure Viptera trait will be available for planting in the U.S. in 2011, following receipt of key import market approvals. Growers in selected areas will, however, have the opportunity to view the Agrisure Viptera trait in action at Syngenta field trials in summer 2010.

For more information about the Agrisure Viptera trait, the Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack and upcoming trial tour opportunities, visit www.agrisuretraits.com or contact your local Garst(R) or Golden Harvest(R) dealer or NK(R) Seeds retailer.