USDA Deregulates Breakthrough Syngenta Seeds Corn Trait

MINNETONKA, Minn., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta Seeds, Inc. today announced it has received deregulation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Agrisure Viptera trait. The Agrisure Viptera trait will be combined with the Agrisure 3000GT trait stack to form the new Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack. The introduction of the Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack continues the tradition of the Agrisure Corn Traits system — providing high-performance traits to growers looking for an alternative that delivers maximum productivity.

"U.S. agriculture benefits when growers have access to a broad array of trait choices," said David Morgan, president at Syngenta Seeds. "With the Agrisure Viptera trait, Syngenta is offering growers a totally new choice for insect control in a breakthrough product. Vip3A, a new mode of action for corn insect control discovered by Syngenta, makes this unprecedented level of control possible and it is a platform on which we will continue to build."

The Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack has demonstrated unsurpassed multi-pest control of 14 yield- and quality-robbing insects. The Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack is able to provide the broadest spectrum of above-ground insect control because of Vip3A, the industry's first non-Cry (non-crystalline) insect control protein. Vip3A has demonstrated highly effective control of the multi-pest complex, including corn earworm, fall armyworm, Western bean cutworm, black cutworm, dingy cutworm, stalk borer and sugarcane borer, among others.

Now, via the Agrisure Viptera trait and the Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack, growers have an in-seed defense against multi-pest complex insects. The Agrisure Viptera trait has the power to help U.S. corn growers recoup an estimated 238 million bushels of corn and $1.1 billion in annual yield and grain quality losses due to multi-pest complex damage(1). These pests are unpredictable, difficult to scout and challenging to treat with conventional insecticides. Corn earworm, which historically has had no viable control solution, is highly susceptible to the Agrisure Viptera trait(2).

Beyond in-field yield and grain quality reductions, the damage from the multi-pest complex also allows spores from fungi to gain access, proliferate and produce mycotoxins. Finding mold and mycotoxins in corn can be financially and emotionally devastating, as grain with concentrations above acceptable thresholds has limited to no market options. In research conducted by Texas A&M University and Syngenta, the Agrisure Viptera trait demonstrated an ability to significantly reduce development of molds and mycotoxins(3).

Corn hybrids containing the Agrisure Viptera trait will be available for planting in the U.S. in 2011, following receipt of key import market approvals. Growers in selected areas will, however, have the opportunity to view the Agrisure Viptera trait in action at Syngenta field trials in summer 2010.

For more information about the Agrisure Viptera trait, the Agrisure Viptera 3111 trait stack and upcoming trial tour opportunities, visit www.agrisuretraits.com or contact your local Garst® or Golden Harvest® dealer or NK® Seeds retailer.

About Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 25,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

Agrisure®, Agrisure Viptera™ , NK® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

Garst® is a trademark of Garst Seed Company.

Golden Harvest ®is a trademark of Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc.

(1) Sources: Census 2007 USDA, USDA Risk Management Agency's internal indemnity database. Aflatoxin Center of Excellence of the South, Syngenta Entomology Research.

(2) 2007-2009 Agrisure Viptera™ Trait Replicated Trial Results. 15 locations with natural pest pressure, Agrisure CB/LL/RW hybrids vs. Agrisure CB/LL/RW isoline plus the Agrisure Viptera trait.

(3) Dr. Roy Parker, Texas A&M University, 2009. Influence of insect trait on grain aflatoxin levels.

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SOURCE Syngenta Seeds, Inc.