Monsanto releases VT PRO MAX™ RIB technology against corn pests in Brazil

Monsanto has released a new VT PRO MAX™ RIB technology for 2013/2014 season in Brazil to protect corn crops against the main caterpillars responsible for the decrease in productivity in recent seasons. In addition to this, it also offers glyphosate tolerance herbicide, which allows an efficient weed management.

VT PRO MAX™ RIB is recommended for the Southern off-season, as well as summer areas and Central North Brazil off-season, it still brings refuge in sack technology, another innovation from Monsanto for refuge planting practice. "Monsanto is pioneer in the development of clean technologies that aim the increasing productivity and improvement of the farmers quality of life, it also brings to the field another important technology for the corn production," says Marcio Santos, Strategy and Product Management Director at Monsanto .
 
The difference in VT PRO MAX™ RIB for other BT technology is that it has three different proteins to fight major caterpillars that attack corn. Each protein acts in a different way, complementing each other, which makes it even more effective. "Because of its different action modes, the technology reduces the possibility of target pests to develop resistance, bringing bigger and better control spectrum," explains Leonardo Bastos, Monsanto’s Marketing Director.

The importance of refuge and the RIB effectiveness
 
Besides all the benefits against pests and tolerance to glyphosate provided by this technology, VT PRO MAX™ RIB already has the refuge seeds (non-BT) mixed in the same single sack, offering more convenience and protection for the corn. "The refuge is a major component of Insect Resistance Management (IRM) of BT corn, since it provides the maintenance of the target pests population of BT technology without exposure to BT proteins. With full RIB, manual calculation and separation of refuge area are expendable," explains Hugo Borsari, Corn Strategy and Management Manager of Monsanto.
 
"For many farmers today, planting according to the Insect Resistance Management (IRM) - or refuge requirements - can be considered a complex task, even though it is necessary. RIB Complete ™ technology is a guarantee of saving time and labor, protecting both technology and farming," says César Barros, Corn Marketing Manager of Monsanto.