AgroPages-Dow AgroSciences launches PowerCore trait technology-Agricultural news

Related News

Dow AgroSciences announced the U.S. commercial launch of PowerCore trait technology, new insect trait technology from Dow AgroSciences that protects corn plants from yield-robbing, above-ground insects. PowerCore will be offered initially in hybrids from five seed brands.

PowerCore trait technology provides superior, broad-spectrum control of damaging above-ground corn pests by incorporating a pyramid of three different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins. Because each Bt protein targets insects differently, PowerCore uses three modes of action to control more insects than other above-ground trait technologies. In addition, the three different modes of action offered by these proteins reduce potential insect resistance to the technology.

“PowerCore trait technology is the latest advancement in the Dow AgroSciences portfolio of innovative pest control solutions to help growers manage above-ground insects and protect yields,” says Brian Barker, general manager, U.S. Seeds at Dow AgroSciences. “PowerCore is a proven technology that growers in Brazil and Argentina have used successfully since 2012. Its commercial introduction for U.S. growers exemplifies the company’s commitment to creating targeted pest management solutions that will help growers protect crop yields.”

Effective Control of Seven Costly Insects

PowerCore protects corn against damage from European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, corn earworm, western bean cutworm, black cutworm, fall armyworm and sugarcane borer, which can cause significant crop damage and yield loss. This trait package offers excellent control of above-ground worm pests for growers with moderate to low rootworm pressure. PowerCore complements SmartStax® trait technology in the Dow AgroSciences corn trait portfolio to offer growers another option in the fight against insect damage.

Yield losses due to the feeding activity of lepidopteran worm pests can be substantial. Black cutworm can reduce corn stands by 30 percent, decreasing yield signficantly. Depending on the corn growth stage, just one European corn borer tunneled into a cornstalk could mean an 8.3-bushel-per-acre yield loss.

Resistance Management

Entomologists across the Corn Belt, especially in regions with heavy insect pressure, say a pyramid approach will provide growers improved control of above-ground pests with greater technology durability.

“A three-protein Bt trait technology offers growers better protection against lepidopteran pests and more effective resistance management,” says Brad Hopkins, Dow AgroSciences biology team leader for global seed treatments and North America insect resistant traits. “Furthermore, this combination of traits to control insects can help growers manage their crops more effectively and protect valuable yield potential.”

Insect Resistance Management (IRM) guidelines for PowerCore include a 5 percent structured refuge in the Corn Belt and a 20 percent structured refuge in the Cotton Belt. A 5 percent structured refuge allows for in-bag refuge options to be available as PowerCore Refuge Advanced® in 2017.

PowerCore Trait Technology Available Now in Five Seed Brands

Dow AgroSciences seed brands Mycogen Seeds, Brodbeck Seeds, Dairyland Seed, Pfister Seeds and Prairie Brand Seed will offer PowerCore trait technology in new, high-yielding genetics within their corn portfolios. For more information on hybrids with PowerCore, contact your local Dow AgroSciences seed brand representative.