Pending EPA approval, Pioneer is getting ready to launch their new Optimum Acre Max which is part of the Herculex family of traits. Specifically, the Herculex RW trait helps protect corn from corn rootworm damage. “Our hope is to be able to reduce corn rootworm refuge, and also to integrate rootworm refuge in a bag,” said Bill Belzer, Senior Manager Marketing, Corn with Pioneer.

The EPA is currently in the process of evaluating the technology and they are anticipating EPA approvals sometime in 2009. The full scale commercial launch is expected in 2010.

“What this technology does is allow growers to be able to plant more in-plant traits in more acres leading to higher yields,” explained Belzer. 

In the past, growers needed to set aside approximately 20 percent of their acres for corn rootworm refuge. With the Herculex family of traits, growers could reduce their corn rootworm refuge to only 2-5 percent of their total corn acres. Basically, this means growers will receive, “more in-plant protection or more acres,” said Belzer, which leads to higher yields. A win-win for every grower. 

To learn more about the Optimum Acre Max, contact your local Pioneer sales professional or listen to my full interview with Bill Belzer here: cc-09-joanna-pioneer-gat.mp3