A summary of 26 University trials in seven states shows significant yield advantages for hybrids with HERCULEX^® XTRA Insect Protection compared to hybrids without a corn rootworm trait.  On average, hybrids planted with HERCULEX XTRA had a yield advantage of 29.7 bushels per acre, and yield results were positive under all levels of rootworm infestation.

"These studies demonstrate that hybrids with HERCULEX XTRA produce the high yields that growers are seeking with today's corn prices," says Ben Kaehler, traits and germplasm licensing business leader for Dow AgroSciences. "And, HERCULEX XTRA ensures that growers have root and yield protection at any level of corn rootworm feeding pressure." 

The University studies were conducted across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. The results included data from 33 different hybrid comparisons. "In all instances, the HERCULEX XTRA hybrids were compared to the same genetics containing HERCULEX I or the conventional version," says Ed King, technology transfer leader for Dow AgroSciences. 

At low-to-moderate corn rootworm feeding levels, the HERCULEX XTRA hybrids demonstrated a 17.7 bu./A yield advantage, and at high rootworm feeding pressure, the yield advantage increased to 37.1 bu./A (see Table 1).

"This data reinforces our message to growers to choose the right hybrids for their geography and protect their investment with HERCULEX XTRA," Kaehler says. "HERCULEX XTRA offers the broadest-spectrum of in-plant insect protection on the market today."

Table 1. Hybrids with HERCULEX^® XTRA Insect Protection showed significant yield advantages compared to hybrids without a corn rootworm trait. Yield advantages occurred at all levels of corn rootworm feeding pressure, with greater advantages at higher levels of feeding pressure.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $3.8 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com.