What’s the Truth Behind Smartstax® Pro With RNAi Technology?

March 31, 2018

Any new technology comes with questions, and SmartStax® PRO with RNAi Technology is no different. We’re here to help you get to the truth about this next-generation trait and separate fact from fiction.

RNAi TECHNOLOGY IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MODE OF ACTION

Yes, when it comes to combating corn rootworm, RNAi Technology is a first. Developed by Bayer, RNAi Technology works by interfering with the insect’s ability to create a specific protein critical to its own survival, effectively causing mortality after ingestion. Because RNAi Technology works differently than a soil-applied insecticide or Bt traits, it can increase a corn plant’s ability to defend itself.


SMARTSTAX PRO TECHNOLOGY ONLY PROVIDES BELOW-GROUND PROTECTION

SmartStax PRO Technology offers below-ground protection with the strongest biotech defense* against corn rootworm pressure available in 2022, but that’s not all it does. It also provides farmers above-ground protection against pests that include European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, black cutworm and corn earworm. Additionally, it offers tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate herbicide applications.



SMARTSTAX PRO TECHNOLOGY OFFERS THREE TIMES GREATER ROOT NODE PROTECTION VS. THE COMPETITION*

In trials conducted in 2021, SmartStax PRO Technology was shown to provide three times greater root node protection from corn rootworm vs. the competition in medium to very high corn rootworm pressure environments.*



THIS TRAIT TECHNOLOGY IS NOT AVAILABLE YET

The next generation of protection and its three modes of action against corn rootworm is here. In 2022, an estimated 100,000 acres of this trait technology will be planted, with availability increasing each year after. Talk to a dealer today about this breakthrough technology.

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*34 2021 Bayer Trials in the corn belt (KS, CO, NE, IA, IL, ND, SD, OH, MN) in medium to very high CRW pressure environments (as shown by a Node Injury Score on 0-3 scale 0.76-3 in the non-CRW traited check) vs SmartStax® RIB Complete® Corn Blend, Agrisure Duracade® E-Z Refuge®, Qrome® and Optimum® AcreMax® Xtreme products in the 95-115 RM range with comparable trait packages.

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. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product 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 this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship.

SmartStax® PRO corn products will be commercially available for the 2022 growing season.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your seed brand representative for the registration status in your state.

IMPORTANT IRM INFORMATION: RIB Complete® corn blend products do not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. See the IRM/Grower Guide for additional information. Always read and follow IRM requirements.

Roundup Ready® 2 Technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate. Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design® is a trademark of BASF Corporation. Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® and Respect the Refuge® are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers Association. RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design™, Roundup Ready® and SmartStax® are trademarks of Bayer Group. ©2022 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.