Bayer’s Third Generation Corn Rootworm Trait Gains Final Approval; SmartStax® PRO Technology to Launch in US in 2022

First Product in Industry with Three Modes of Action for Corn Rootworm Control, Including a Novel RNAi

St. Louis, January 21, 2021

Bayer announced today receipt of the final safety certificate for import and food/feed use from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for the company’s third-generation corn rootworm trait (MON 87411). This approval represents the final key authorization for commercial introduction of SmartStax® PRO Technology in the United States.

SmartStax® PRO Technology is the next generation of corn rootworm protection, and the first product offering three modes of action for corn rootworm control. It combines the proven benefits of SmartStax® Technology corn rootworm protection with a novel RNAi-based mode of action, providing improved control of corn rootworm over a range of pressure.*

“We’re excited to receive this authorization and look forward to putting SmartStax® PRO Technology in the hands of our grower customers,” said Scott Stein North America Corn Product Management Lead. “The introduction of a novel mode of action like RNAi will provide growers yet another tool to help control tough corn rootworm pests.”

RNAi-based technologies are developed from a naturally occurring process in the targeted plant or pest to stop or decrease the production of a specific protein and can be used to target specific pests, like the corn rootworm.

In addition to corn rootworm, SmartStax® PRO Technology will offer growers protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, black cutworm and corn earworm.

“This is another example of Bayer’s continued commitment to providing new, innovative solutions and industry-leading technology that help growers address the tough challenges they face on their farms,” said Dr. Calvin Treat, Head of Crop Technology for Corn, Soybeans and Cotton. “We’re confident that SmartStax® PRO Technology will provide tremendous value for growers.” 

Bayer plans to conduct on-farm grower market development trials in 2021, while ramping up volume to meet grower needs for a U.S. commercial launch in 2022. Bayer also expects to have products to launch in Canada in 2023.

*Based upon 2019-2020 Bayer internal trials comparing leading corn rootworm technologies in field with moderate to heavy corn rootworm pressure.

About Bayer    
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of 43.5 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.3 billion euros. 
 

Contact:
Bayer - Brian Leake 314.370.3285
Brian.Leake@Bayer.com

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. SmartStax® PRO Technology is not currently available for commercial sale or commercial planting. Commercialization is dependent on multiple factors, including successful conclusion of the regulatory process. The information presented herin is provided for educational purposes only and is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell.  Bayer, the Bayer Cross and SmartStax® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group ©2021 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

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