Pioneer Hi-Bred

Local Testing and Research Matches the Right Technologies and Traits with Grower Needs


DuPont significantly increased its new corn product offerings compared to last year with the release of 154 new Pioneer® brand hybrids and integrated refuge products, featuring 36 new genetic families, to better serve growers across North America for the 2012 planting season.

"Our dedication to market-based innovations continues to maximize grower productivity by using our Right Product for the Right Acre strategy," said Paul E. Schickler, president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont seed business. "This year's genetic and technology options will address many of the local challenges growers will face by providing industry-leading, drought-tolerant and integrated refuge management products."

The new genetic families and hybrids show Pioneer's continued commitment to localized testing through the IMPACT™ (Intensively Managed Product Advancement, Characterization and Training) trial program. Through this testing, the company advances products that perform well on growers' own farms on a field-by-field basis. These new products feature strong yields and agronomic characteristics to meet the local environmental conditions growers face.

Key advancements in the 2012 corn hybrid lineup include Optimum® AQUAmax™ hybrids, designed for water-stressed environments, featuring 17 new hybrids in the 96 to 115 comparative relative maturity (CRM) range. Following a water-stressed 2011 growing season, the first class of Optimum® AQUAmax™ hybrids provided strong yields and stable agronomics – growers can expect similar results from this class of hybrid advancements.

Pioneer's new class includes an expanded Optimum® AcreMax® family of products. This new class contains 16 Optimum® AcreMax® products, the single-bag integrated refuge product targeting above-ground insects. In addition, Pioneer is introducing seven Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra products, which provide growers a single-bag integrated refuge product targeting above- and below-ground insects.

The new class for 2012 also features 16 Optimum® AcreMax® 1 products, the first integrated refuge product for corn rootworm, and five Optimum® AcreMax® RW products.

In 2012, Pioneer is offering 14 new Optimum® Intrasect™ hybrids featuring industry-leading insect protection technologies and traits. This new lineup offers above-ground insect protection with a combination of Herculex® I insect protection and YieldGard® Corn Borer technology.

In addition, 12 new Optimum® Intrasect™ Xtra hybrids provide above- and below-ground insect protection with a combination of Herculex® XTRA insect protection combined with YieldGard® Corn Borer technology. This entire class continues to provide genetic diversity and top-end yield potential combined with industry-leading test weight and grain quality.

"Optimum® AQUAmax™ and the Optimum® AcreMax® family of products offers growers flexibility and risk management while maximizing yield and productivity," said Schickler. "Growers expect drought products to perform well in adverse conditions and to offer top-end yield potential when conditions are favorable. Technologies that provide reduced refuge, such as the Optimum® AcreMax® family of products, help increase convenience and meet technology compliance requirements."

Additional Pioneer hybrid product offerings for 2012 planting include 10 new waxy hybrids from 102 to 116 CRM, 32 double-stack hybrids, 17 triple-stack hybrids and 18 hybrids with the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait.

"Pioneer is excited to lead the industry in traits and technologies and bring products to the market that fit individual grower's local needs," said Schickler.

For more information about these new hybrids and technologies, visit www.pioneer.com/corn or contact a local Pioneer sales professional.

Pioneer Hi-Bred , a DuPont business headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success™.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com .

03.01.2012