Combating Corn Rootworm: How To Scout and Defend Like a Pro

The next generation of protection against corn rootworm is here. Launching in 2022, SmartStax^® PRO with RNAi Technology* offers improved control over a range of pressures for the strongest biotech defense available**. This new trait technology is built on the two proven Bt proteins (Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 and Cry3Bb1) found in SmartStax^® Technology along with an entirely new RNAi-based technology for a total of three modes of action against corn rootworm.

HOW DOES RNAi TECHNOLOGY WORK?

RNAi technology is unlike any other. While a Bt trait works in the corn rootworm’s midgut, this RNAi-based trait actually interferes with a corn rootworm’s ability to create a specific protein critical to its own survival. After ingestion, RNAi Technology stops the production of this essential protein, which results in death of the corn rootworm.

TAKE A STAND AGAINST CORN ROOTWORM WITH THE WATCH

They call it the billion-dollar bug*** for a reason, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Proactively scouting your fields is crucial in your defense against this constant threat. The Watch PRO Edition gives you access to the insights and tools — including free sticky trap starter kits — that have helped farmers scout for years.

HOW DO STICKY TRAPS PROTECT MY FIELDS?

All different types of corn fields are at the mercy of the rootworm. Corn-on-corn, late planted corn and volunteer corn fields are typically at the highest risk for infestation. Sticky traps are a great mode of defense and an effective tool in measuring rootworm pressure. Here’s how it works:

1. WALK

Examine your sticky traps from corn tasseling and continue through the full seed set.

2. CALCULATE

Do the math to determine the average number of northern and western corn rootworms captured per trap per day.

3. ACT

If you are planting corn next season and you’re seeing two corn rootworms per trap per day, you may need a plan of action. Talk to your seed rep to see if SmartStax PRO Technology will be fit for your fields.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

Take a deeper dive into the science behind SmartStax PRO Technology and learn more about the protection against above-ground pests and tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate herbicide applications.

See the Science

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^{*SmartStax PRO corn products will be commercially available for the 2022 growing season.}

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

^{*** Corn rootworm damage can cost U.S. farmers an estimated $1-2 billion annually in yield losses and chemical control (USDA AgResearch Magazine, May 2013)}

^{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 herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell. Bayer and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. ©2022 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.}