DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DuPont (NYSE: DD) business Pioneer Hi-Bred updated its commercialization timelines today for corn hybrids and soybean varieties with the Optimum® GAT® trait.

Corn hybrids

Optimum GAT corn demonstrates excellent glyphosate and ALS herbicide tolerance efficacy; however, based on comprehensive harvest results, the current version of the trait in corn does not meet Pioneer's high yield standards. Therefore, Pioneer has reset its plans to commercialize Optimum GAT corn and will not have controlled releases in 2010 and 2011 in North America. Meanwhile, Pioneer will intensify its ongoing research efforts along multiple pathways for the corn trait and work toward commercialization in the middle of the next decade.

Soybean varieties

Optimum GAT soybeans have shown outstanding glyphosate and ALS herbicide tolerance efficacy and strong multi-year yield results. Specifically, pre-commercial Optimum GAT soybean varieties repeated a 6 percent yield advantage on average when compared to current industry-leading Pioneer varieties.

Optimum GAT soybeans are expected to be commercialized about two to three years later than the anticipated 2011 introduction due to changes in regulatory policy in key import markets and increasing complexity in managing grain stewardship. The business is aggressively pursuing these regulatory approvals and has already received regulatory approval in the U.S. and Canada.

"Our continued confidence in the Optimum GAT trait is supported by significant data. Over the past several years, we have gained additional knowledge about the Optimum GAT trait and we keep making progress on a number of fronts," said Pioneer President Paul E. Schickler. "Importantly, we already have a full lineup of herbicide tolerant corn and soybean products to meet customer needs now and in the future.

"To satisfy grower demand and deliver on our commitment to grow the business, we have a robust lineup of top-yielding hybrids and varieties with strong agronomics, defensive traits and herbicide tolerance that customers value," said Schickler. "Product performance, along with a strong focus on the right product for the right acre, grew corn and soybean market share in 2009, and we expect to do it again in 2010."

With Pioneer's continued strong performance, DuPont reaffirms its outlook for greater than 15 percent compounded annual earnings growth rate of the DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition business segment through 2013.

DuPont will host a teleconference today at 9 a.m. (ET) for investment analysts regarding the update. The teleconference number is: 847-619-6250, passcode: 25964519.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward looking statements may be identified by words like "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "projects," "indicates," and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by DuPont, particularly its latest annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as others, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to changes in the laws, regulations, policies and economic conditions, including inflation, interest and foreign currency exchange rates, of countries in which the company does business; competitive pressures; successful integration of structural changes, including restructuring plans, acquisitions, divestitures and alliances; cost of raw materials, research and development of new products, including regulatory approval and market acceptance; seasonality of sales of agricultural products; and severe weather events that cause business interruptions, including plant and power outages, or disruptions in supplier and customer operations. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments or new information.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont, The miracles of science, Pioneer®, and Optimum® GAT® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Products with the Optimum® GAT® trait are not yet available for sale or use. Products, benefits and concepts described are subject to full regulatory approval and field testing.

SOURCE DuPont

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