Additional corn acres are not the only thing leading to increased sales of HERCULEX^® Insect Protection in-plant traits. The appeal of HERCULEX controlling more pests than competitive traits is a major factor, say representatives of Dow AgroSciences.

If corn growers are still finalizing seed purchases, they should contact their preferred seed company for HERCULEX I Insect Protection or HERCULEX XTRA Insect Protection hybrids, says Ben Kaehler, Business Leader for Traits & Germplasm Licensing at Dow AgroSciences. However, sales of HERCULEX have been extremely strong, leading to tight supplies and continuing a trend in the last several years of increased adoption of the broadest-spectrum insect protection trait available today

“The demand we’re experiencing tells us that growers see tremendous value from HERCULEX hybrids and that it is truly a superior alternative to YieldGard traits,” Kaehler says.

Kaehler attributes high demand to last summer’s expansion of western bean cutworm, regional black cutworm outbreaks and university reports that HERCULEX^® XTRA Insect Protection provided excellent protection against corn rootworm.

He adds that with more than 150 seed companies now having the ability to sell HERCULEX^® Insect Protection hybrids, growers are finding that they can get the broadest-spectrum insect protection in high-yielding genetics available from the seed company of their choice.

“Seed companies are finalizing their summer production plans for the 2008 supply, and we expect availability of HERCULEX XTRA to be substantial in 2008,” Kaehler says. “That said, demand will continue to increase, so we encourage growers to talk to their seed company about getting a look at the newest HERCULEX hybrids in the field this summer, and get a head start on selecting their HERCULEX hybrids for the 2008 crop.”

To learn more about HERCULEX Insect Protection, contact your local seed salesman.