Golden Acres Genetics, Ltd. announced a new seed package for 2004 to help control corn rootworms. The package involves two new rootworm-resistant corn hybrids – Golden Acres 2820Rw, a 112-day hybrid, and 2848RRW, a 117-day hybrid – and two new seed treatments, PonchoÔ 250 and PonchoÔ 1250.

The new hybrids combine the new YieldGard^Ò Corn Rootworm technology trait with the proven southern genetics of Golden Acres to deliver solid results in the demanding growing conditions of the Southern United States. Furthermore, with the new trait, farmers gain superior, season-long protection against corn rootworms unmatched by insecticides, with consistent control independent of weather, time of planting, or field conditions. Plus, with 2848RRW, farmers get the added value of Roundup Ready^Ò technology to maintain clean, weed-free fields.

“Rootworm-resistant corn hybrids, particularly those with effective control of Mexican corn rootworm such as 2820Rw and 2848RRW, are a great opportunity for Southern farmers,” said Director of Product Development for Golden Acres Genetics James Allison, Ph.D.

“The protection is built into the seed, so farmers don’t have to worry about the inconvenience of planter box treatments or the expense of chemical applications,” Allison said. “On acres where corn is following corn, these are welcomed benefits.”

Lou Buice, the president of Golden Acres Genetics, said “We believe the new corn rootworm technology helps control one of the farmers’ most expensive pests.”

“More importantly to us, since our focus has always been on the Southern farmer, we’re able to deliver this technology in hybrids with southern genetics,” Buice continued. “Therefore, Southern farmers get the protection and agronomics they need, without having to sacrifice yield.”

Poncho 250 and Poncho 1250 are the other two components of the Golden Acres corn rootworm package. Poncho 250 is specifically designed to control early-season pests such as chinch bugs, cutworms, and wireworms. It will be a standard treatment on 2820Rw and 2848RRW. Poncho 1250, on the other hand, controls an even broader spectrum of insects, including corn rootworm. This makes it an excellent choice for EPA-mandated refuge acres. (In order to plant Golden Acres 2820Rw or 2848RRW, farmers must agree to plant at least 20% of their acres to a non-rootworm resistant hybrid.)

According to USDA figures, corn rootworms cost growers an estimated one billion dollars annually in insecticide costs and yield loss associated with root damage that goes untreated. For more information on the Golden Acres corn rootworm package, please contact your local representative. Or, call Golden Acres toll-free at 1-800-692-6848 or visit www.GAseed.com to find the representative nearest you and see how 2820Rw or 2848RRW can help improve your bottom line.

Golden Acres Genetics, Ltd. is a privately-held Texas corporation committed to providing southern agricultural producers with custom seed solutions, utilizing the latest technology and proven seed genetics. The flagship Golden Acres brand has been associated with quality products and service since 1952. The company is based in Waco, Texas.

Golden Acres^Ò and the design logo are registered trademarks of Golden Acres Genetics, Ltd. These trademarks, YieldGard^Ò and Roundup Ready^Ò, are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, Monsanto Technology LLC. PonchoÔ is a trademark of Bayer.