Syngenta seeds submits USDA petition for deregulation of next-generation corn rootworm trait

Syngenta Seeds, Inc., announced it has submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) a petition for the deregulation of its Event 5307*, a next-generation corn rootworm trait.

Syngenta's Event 5307 expresses the eCry3.1Ab protein, which has demonstrated resistance to corn rootworm in Syngenta trials. This protein has a novel mode of action that binds differently in the gut of target insects than the protein in Syngenta's Agrisure(R) RW corn rootworm trait. As such, once approved, the new event will provide Syngenta with the opportunity to create proprietary trait stacks with multiple modes of action against corn rootworms.

"This is a major milestone toward the Syngenta goal of delivering the best, most convenient and most effective single-bag refuge solution to growers," said David Morgan, President, Syngenta Seeds. "We have heard growers say they need a simple, time-saving solution that captures lost yield from refuge acres. At the same time, we believe any such solution needs to be based on sound science to help protect against the potential development of resistant insects. By developing multiple traits with novel modes of action on the same target pest, we believe we can accomplish both of these objectives."

In Syngenta trials, corn hybrids containing Event 5307 demonstrated resistance to Western corn rootworm, Northern corn rootworm and Mexican corn rootworm, and provided effective root protection even under heavy insect pressure.

Syngenta has previously announced its refuge-in-a-bag product concept which would stack Event 5307 with its industry-leading Agrisure Viptera(TM) trait, its Agrisure RW trait and traits with multiple modes of action against European corn borer, to create a reduced refuge stack, the Agrisure Viptera 3222 E-Z refuge(TM) stack*. This trait stack, which is anticipated to be available in 2014 following receipt of all U.S. regulatory and key import market approvals, will feature multiple modes of action on all major above- and below-ground corn insects and a 5% refuge in the Corn Belt.

Syngenta plans to make additional regulatory submissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as key export countries to gain the necessary regulatory approvals for this trait.