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Why RNAi Technology is the next step in corn rootworm protection
SmartStax® PRO is the next generation of corn rootworm defense, combining the proven effectiveness of SmartStax with industry-leading RNAi Technology, making it the strongest trait on the market against corn rootworm. SmartStax has consistently been a leading trait for insect protection and herbicide tolerance since 2009, providing excellent above and below ground pest protection in corn. But as pests like corn rootworm continue to evolve, it is critical that new innovative tools are made available and utilized effectively.
Corn rootworm is called “the billion dollar bug” for a reason. When left unchecked, it can rob up to 45 per cent of a corn crop’s yield¹. It is a significant issue in the United States, now spreading to parts of Canada. Southwestern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and small pockets of Quebec are particularly high-risk regions. Corn rootworm is more likely to appear in areas with high intensity livestock or fields that experience corn on corn rotations.
“We know corn rootworm is a highly adaptable pest that can do a lot of damage,” says David Kikkert, Canada Corn & Soybean Portfolio Lead with Bayer Crop Science Canada. “Thanks to the power of RNAi Technology, SmartStax PRO offers a new highly effective and long-lasting corn rootworm solution unlike any other on the market.”
Historically, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins have been the primary corn rootworm protection method in North America. By producing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium that corn rootworm larvae feed on, Bt insecticidal proteins have been effective; however, resistance is a continual issue.
RNAi Technology is a completely new mode of action that circumvents some resistance concerns by disrupting the production of proteins that the corn rootworm needs to survive. Where Bt insecticidal proteins aim to control corn rootworm through toxins in their food source, RNAi Technology stops the production of proteins that the pests need to survive. With SmartStax PRO the insect response usually takes around five days, translating to industry-leading root node protection, improved standability, and maximized yield potential.
“Taking SmartStax’s two modes of action and combining them with RNAi Technology makes SmartStax PRO the best defence against corn rootworm on the market.” Kikkert says, “We are looking forward to launching many SmartStax PRO hybrids for different maturities across multiple brands for the 2024 season.”
If you are considering SmartStax PRO, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there corn rootworm pressure in your area?
- Are you growing corn on corn?
- Have your yields been impacted by corn rootworm in the past?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, your farm may be at risk of a corn rootworm outbreak. While best management practices like cultural rotation and scouting always help, if your crop is at risk, you may want the best defense on the market. If you are concerned about corn rootworm impacting your crop it’s better to be safe and go with an above and below ground control option like SmartStax PRO, rather than risking losing up to 45 per cent of your yield.
Maximizing ROI with SmartStax PRO
Kikkert adds, “Traits are only one piece of the puzzle. SmartStax PRO is most effective when supported by a strong anti-rootworm strategy.”
Before the seed is planted, it’s important to have a strong understanding of your field, specifically looking at where you are seeing a lot of corn rootworm feeding, so you can determine where you may need SmartStax PRO. Crop rotation is also critical from a cultural management perspective. As corn rootworm only targets corn, rotating with other crops can break apart their life cycle.
Scouting, beginning in June, or when the crop is in the V6 to V12 growth stage, will allow you to monitor the presence of corn rootworm larvae and adjust if necessary. If granular insecticides are available in your area, they can also play a role in corn rootworm protection in the rare case that additional intervention is needed.
SmartStax PRO is a preventative solution, helping ensure corn rootworm cannot rob your crop of its potential yield. If you think SmartStax PRO is right for you, reach out to your retailer or local Bayer representatives who can help determine which hybrids are best for your farm.
Bayer is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Bayer products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Bayer’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. These products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from these products can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for these products. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® 2 Technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate. Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready® and SmartStax® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. Used under license. LibertyLink® and LibertyLink® logo are registered trademarks of BASF. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. SmartStax® multi-event technology developed by Bayer and Dow AgroSciences. ©2023 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.
Bibliography:
1. Tinsley, N. A., R. E. Estes, and M. E. Gray. “Validation of a Nested Error Component Model to Estimate Damage Caused by Corn Rootworm Larvae.” Journal of Applied Entomology 137, no. 3 (2012): 161–69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0418.2012.01736.x.
