14 THEY ARE COMMONLY referred to as “the newest tools in the toolbox,” and although it is a slightly overused turn of phrase, it accurately reflects the mindset of growers, agronomists, and crop advisors. With the continued evolution of resistance to herbicide and insecticide modes of action, the battle against pests such as corn rootworm or weed biotypes like waterhemp is more pressing. Two new tools are SmartStax PRO corn hybrids from Bayer CropScience and Vorceed Enlist hybrids from Corteva Agriscience, and both rely on RNAi technology to combat corn rootworm. It is a new means of controlling corn rootworm, which Marty Vermey notes is of increasing importance. Corn-on-corn production has become an important component for dairy and livestock producers, and resistance to certain Cry proteins indicates a growing need for a new trait technology package that addresses the issue. “This (RNAi technology) helps us with resistance management and having different traits available,” says Vermey, senior agronomist with the Grain Farmers of Ontario. “If farmers can rotate these technologies, that’s great.” However, he adds, continued diligence is needed in the battle against corn rootworm resistance. Right now, with that particular pest, the best option is rotation, specifically, if growers could rotate into soybeans. But there are many reasons why farmers rely on corn-on-corn, whether they’re in livestock or on a limited land base. “It’s nice to have that technology available when it is possible,” says Vermey. FROM BAYER The use of RNAi technology is the centrepiece of SmartStax PRO, interfering with corn rootworm’s production of a specific protein necessary for its life cycle, New hybrid corn traits available ADDRESSING ROOTWORM AND OTHER GROWER CONCERNS Ontario Grain Farmer meaning growers will have a third mode of action against rootworm. “SmartStax PRO builds on the proven SmartStax trait package by adding a novel RNAi technology to defend against corn rootworm, specifically,” says David Kikkert, Bayer Canada’s corn and soybean portfolio lead. “The RNAi technology is an industry first in corn and is unique in that it brings a new mode of action against corn rootworm that growers haven’t had before.” Yet, with the introduction of any new technology comes the understanding that they are not a singular solution. As with any innovation, farmers, retailers and agronomists must be mindful of how and when they are used and avoid becoming too reliant on one trait package. “We need to continue to follow best management practices and plan accordingly,” says Kikkert. “RNAi technology adds to an already strong biotech defence, which must be managed with cultural methods like crop rotation (soybeans or other non-host crops), other crop methods (insecticides) if available, and scouting and management.” This traited hybrid package will be available for the 2024 planting season. FROM CORTEVA Vorceed Enlist hybrids also employ RNAi technology alongside the Enlist weed control system with glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D choline and FOP (aryloxyphenoxypropionate) chemistry tolerances for weed species. Combined with the RNAi technology for corn rootworm, it offers six modes of action — three above-ground and three below-ground, and also uses a molecular stack, similar to Qrome. “Now you have three modes of action working against rootworm, including RNAi technology,” says Chad Garrod, Corteva’s portfolio marketing manager for Eastern Canada. “What Industry News
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