Biotech Updates

U.S. EPA Approves Insect Refuge 'In-The-Bag' Seed Product

May 7, 2010

Environmental Protection Agency has released the commercial registration of the first ever "in-the-bag" solution for insect refuge management, the Optimum AcreMax 1 insect protection for Pioneer brand corn hybrids.

The US EPA requires growers to plant some corn that have no insect protection character so that it will serve as insect "refuge." However, this system is time-consuming and poses a risk for damage and yield loss. Thus, AcreMax 1 insect protection decreases the traditional 20% corn rootworm refuge by half and puts it in the seed bag. It also eliminates the need for another rootworm refuge at the same time increasing the simplicity and flexibility of planting the corn borer refuge.

For more details, visit http://www.croplife.com/news/?storyid=2595.