Expert Q&A: Who should consider VT4PRO™ with RNAi Technology?

April 9, 2024

Farmer examining crops in a field

For farmers prioritizing performance, VT4PROTM with RNAi Technology offers the latest defense against corn rootworm and other corn pests that can devastate your bottom line. It’s the first product from Bayer to combine the three above-ground modes of action in Trecepta® Technology with two below-ground modes of action for wide-spectrum protection.

Find out who should consider VT4PRO Technology, get the facts about extended diapause, and learn how VT4PRO Technology can help combat extended diapause in your fields.

Kristin Schiff, Bayer technical agronomist, Western Nebraska and Northern Colorado

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Craig Schaal, Bayer regional agronomy lead, central Plains (Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, parts of Texas and Wyoming)

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Who should consider planting VT4PRO with RNAi Technology?

Kristin Schiff

Farmers should be planting VT4PRO Technology if they have the need for above-ground insect protection as well as any possibility of needing corn rootworm protection.

Craig Schaal

When it comes to above-ground protection, this trait is very effective for controlling above-ground ear-feeding pests. We believe VT4PRO Technology is a perfect fit for acres with low to moderate corn rootworm pressure.

It’s also a good choice for farmers who are planting second-year corn or hearing about extended diapause in their area.

How can VT4PRO Technology help combat extended diapause?

Editor’s note: Extended diapause is the ability of certain species of corn rootworm eggs to remain dormant in the soil for up to two winters and a growing season, and sometimes for up to four years. This can cause corn rootworm pressure to unexpectedly reappear even after crop rotation.

Kristin Schiff

Extended diapause does cause concern for farmers. Anytime an insect or pest is able to adapt to our management and become resistant to what we're doing, it’s definitely a challenge. In the past, rotation has been able to help eliminate corn rootworm, but with extended diapause, those corn rootworms are actually living through multiple seasons of other crops, or at least a season of soybeans or crops other than corn. So there is concern and definitely some opportunity for corn rootworm protection even when other crops are being planted.

Craig Schaal

We've seen an uptick in extended diapause in the last couple years, with farmers fighting corn rootworm pressures where they weren't expecting it. The larvae are able to survive a year or more in diapause, even following soybeans or other crop rotations. But by planting VT4PRO Technology, you have peace of mind in those areas where that's a concern.

Kristin Schiff

With extended diapause, farmers are seeing corn rootworm pressure where they don't expect to, and VT4PRO Technology provides great protection against corn rootworm.

Discover all the benefits of VT4PRO.



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VT4PRO™ with RNAi Technology corn products are expected to be commercially available for the 2024 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: Certain products are sold as RIB Complete® corn blend products, and do not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. Products sold without refuge in the bag (non-RIB Complete) require the planting of a structured refuge. 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. Insect control technology provided by Vip3A is utilized under license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Agrisure Viptera® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta group company. LibertyLink logo® and LibertyLink® are trademarks of BASF Corporation. Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® and Respect the Refuge® are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers Association. Bayer, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready®, SmartStax®, Trecepta®, VT Double PRO® and VT4PRO™ are trademarks of Bayer Group. ©2024 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.