Nearly 2,000 growers across 18 states are participating in a grower demonstration program of YieldGard^® Plus, the first biotech corn product with in-seed plant protection against both corn rootworm and corn borer.

Monsanto is conducting the field demonstration program this growing season. The program will provide participating growers an opportunity to see first-hand results of the technology’s performance in local corn hybrids. Demonstration locations participating in the program will be marked by field signs.  

“These growers have a unique opportunity to witness the YieldGard Plus technology in action,” said Dave Rhylander, director of traits for Monsanto. “They can share their observations and provide yield results to other growers who have an interest in the benefits of this new biotech corn.”

Participants in the grower demonstration program will monitor and report on the performance of their YieldGard Plus Corn throughout the season and compare it to corn hybrids protected with traditional insecticides.

Growers will share results from root digs conducted this month to evaluate the extent of rootworm infestation. In September, they will provide corn borer data after observing sample stalks for corn borer entry holes and splitting plant stalks to search for insect damage. Growers will issue their final reports following harvest. 

The grower demonstration program covers thousands of acres planted with YieldGard Plus Corn. Multiple seed brands are represented in the program, which is designed to demonstrate that corn containing the YieldGard Plus technology will outperform conventional corn with traditional insecticides in insect control, yield and profit, regardless of seed brand.  Seed companies that license the Monsanto technology are supporting the demonstration program. 

YieldGard Plus is fully approved for food and feed use in the United States, Canada and Japan, and is awaiting approval in the European Union. The technology will be nationally available in corn hybrids beginning with the 2005-planting season. YieldGard Plus bears the Market Choices® mark, which means grain must be directed to a market that will not ship either the grain or processed products to Europe.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products, including the YieldGard family of insect-protection corn traits that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Follow Insect Resistance Management and Grain Marketing requirements.
YieldGard^® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. 
Market Choices^® is a registered certification mark used under license from The American Seed Trade Association.
© 2004 Monsanto Company.