EPA extends registrations for Genuity SmartStax corn

Recognizing that pyramided, dual mode-of-action technologies are the most effective means to maintain the long-term durability of corn trait technologies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the registrations of two corn trait products, Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete and Genuity SmartStax. The EPA granted the initial registration of Genuity SmartStax in 2009.

"The registration extensions of Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete and Genuity SmartStax by the EPA reinforce the value of these dual mode-of-action products and the reduced refuge approaches that they make possible for U.S. corn farmers," said Ty Vaughn, corn product lead at Monsanto.

"Monsanto is committed to the success of our farmer customers as well as working with them to support the durability and stewardship of our trait technologies," Vaughn said. "These two corn technologies are a living example of our commitment to help farmers manage the challenges they face on farm and protect on-farm yields."

Genuity SmartStax and Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete products provide farmers with multiple modes-of-action for broad spectrum control of above- and below-ground insects, and offer two herbicide tolerance traits for greater flexibility in weed management. In addition, Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete products help farmers simplify the planting process and assure their compliance with refuge requirements in a single-bag approach, thereby helping protect the long-term durability of Bt technology.

Monsanto noted that Genuity SmartStax corn hybrids delivered a yield benefit to U.S. corn farmers by outperforming YieldGard VT Triple corn products by an average 3.8 bushels per acre advantage in 2011. Furthermore, in trials from areas where U.S. corn farmers faced heavy insect pressure from corn rootworms, the dual modes-of-action in Genuity SmartStax technology has demonstrated an average yield advantage of 8.5 bushels per acre when compared with YieldGard VT Triple corn products.

The 2011 crop season also marked the first time that corn farmers experienced the benefits of Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete single-bag corn technology. Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete products simplify refuge management for farmers in the Corn Belt through a single-bag blend of 95 percent Genuity SmartStax corn seed and 5 percent refuge (non-Bt) corn seed that farmers can plant across their entire field. Genuity SmartStax products without RIB Complete still require U.S. corn farmers in the Corn Belt to plant a 5 percent structured refuge.

Earlier this month, the EPA granted registration for Monsanto's newest RIB product Genuity® VT Double PRO® RIB Complete®, a simple, convenient option for managing above-ground pests. The new product, available for the 2012 planting season, is a blend of 95 percent Genuity VT Double PRO and 5 percent refuge (non-Bt seed) delivering the lowest refuge in the Corn Belt.