DuPont receives EPA approval for reduction in above-ground refuge

DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred has introduced Optimum® Intrasect™ insect protection products that will allow U.S. corn growers to reduce their structured above-ground refuge to a level of 5% in the Corn Belt.

Optimum® Intrasect™ insect protection is a combination of the Herculex® I and YieldGard® Corn Borer traits that was recently granted approval for a 5% structured above-ground refuge by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  This is a reduction from the traditional 20% structured corn borer refuge.

"This decision gives growers in the Corn Belt more options to meet their specific insect control needs and increases the amount of Bt corn products they can use to protect their yields against corn borer damage,” said Paul Schickler, Pioneer president. 

For 2011, Pioneer will have a targeted introduction of Optimum® Intrasect™ products in markets needing corn borer protection across the Corn Belt to allow growers to experience the performance of these products and the benefits of reduced structured refuge.

"Pioneer is committed to providing growers more choices in products and systems that preserve key technologies, maximize productivity through targeted trait deployment and simplify the challenges growers face,” Paul said.  “I’m pleased this regulatory milestone continues to extend Pioneer’s leadership position in offering the right product for the right acre.”