Mycogen Seeds grain corn hybrids with Herculex^™ I Insect Protection demonstrated exceptional agronomic performance and broad-spectrum insect control this season, helping to protect yields and maximize profits for growers across the Corn Belt. This year, Mycogen Seeds offered 11 hybrids with the Herculex I trait.

 “Overall, growers are extremely impressed with how Herculex I protected the yield potential of their hybrids, especially against western bean cutworm,” says Maynard Ochs, Product Development Agronomist, Mycogen Seeds. “With less insect pressure, Herculex I hybrids stayed intact later into the fall and exhibited better grain quality.”

Grower feedback also has been positive. In Iowa and Nebraska, where many average corn yields surpassed expectations, and some brought record-high bushels per acre, growers say Herculex^™ I hybrids are leading the way with superior plant health and less stock lodging.

“Our Herculex I acres yielded 10 to 15 bushels more than conventional acres,” says Steve Abele, who runs a 2,600-acre farm near Lake Milles, Iowa. “In previous years, we saw a lot of ear droppage from corn borer damage. After planting Herculex I, our hybrids stood strong, even through high winds and into late harvest.”

In a recent survey conducted by Dow AgroSciences, growers cited broad-spectrum insect protection — including protection against European corn borer, western bean cutworm, black cutworm and fall armyworm — as the number one reason for deciding to plant Herculex I hybrids this season.

“Herculex I has done an outstanding job of controlling insect damage and preserving grain quality,” says Dave Welch, District Agronomist for Mycogen Seeds. “In fields not planted to Herculex I, kernel feeding and husk damage opened up ears to moisture and mold, causing preliminary ear rot and grain quality reductions. Herculex I Insect Protection reduces the potential for these secondary infections, and gives growers added assurance that their yields are protected.”

For broadleaf weed control, Herculex I hybrids are tolerant to over-the-top applications of LIBERTY^® herbicide, giving growers added flexibility in managing herbicide options.

“LIBERTY is a post-emergence herbicide offering broad-spectrum, systemic, non-selective weed control in corn. Growers’ options remain open with Herculex I. They can use LIBERTY or stick with their conventional weed control program,” says John Long, District Agronomist, Mycogen Seeds.

Mycogen Seeds offers excellent non-Bt corn hybrids that are tolerant to LIBERTY herbicide as an option when planting Insect Resistance Management refuge acres within the same field as Herculex^™ I hybrids.  “Growers will be able to spray the entire field with LIBERTY herbicide and conveniently control weeds while managing herbicide resistance issues in rotation with glyphosate-tolerant soybeans,” says Long.

Western bean cutworm continues eastward

Until recently, western bean cutworm was only a threat in western states such as Colorado. This thrifty pest has pushed its way eastward into the Corn Belt, with severe infestations reported in Nebraska and Iowa this season.

“Growers saw substantial yield losses and reduced grain quality from western bean cutworm this year,” says Long. “Western bean cutworm moths are strong fliers and can travel significant distances to lay eggs. With the way this pest is moving eastward, more infestations are likely, so growers should take precautionary action and consider planting hybrids with Herculex I.”

Herculex I Insect Protection is the only in-plant insect protection trait to offer protection against western bean cutworm. Multi-year field data shows Herculex I provides greater than 80 percent overall protection against western bean cutworm, maintaining larvae well below economic injury levels.

Mycogen Seeds is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company and is an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Mycogen Seeds is the leader in Silage-Specific^™ corn, the largest sunflower seed producer, and a leading producer of seed corn, alfalfa, soybeans and sorghum.

^âäMycogen, the Mycogen M Logo and Silage-Specific are trademarks of Mycogen Corporation.
^™Herculex is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. 
^®LIBERTY is a registered trademark of Bayer.
©2004 Mycogen Seeds. Mycogen Seeds is an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences LLC.

Herculex I Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred.