Camille ULVE
Pioneer Génétique, Chemin de l’Enseigure, 31840 Aussonne, France

Purpose: A management study was conducted to determine the performance of Pioneer corn hybrids containing the MaisGard* gene under different levels of European corn borer or Pink stalk borer.
1. Pioneer conducted studies in 1997 and 1998 to evaluate its hybrids under different levels of corn borer infestation in USA.
2. Pioneer conducted also studies in 1998 to evaluate its hybrids under different levels of stalk borer infestation in Turkey and France.

Experimental procedures: Pioneer hybrids with the MaisGard *gene and genetically similar Pioneer hybrids not containing the gene were planted:
For ECB-in plots 6m long by 4 rows wide at 39 locations across Cornbelt in USA.
For PSB-in plots 5m long by 4 rows wide, 3 replications, 2 planting dates at 1 location in Turkey.
- in plots 12m long by 4 rows wide, 3 replications, 2 planting dates at 3 locations in France.

Results: Results from 39 locations showed that Pioneer hybrids with the MaisGard* gene:
- For ECB Had significantly less feeding damage under low, medium and high corn borer infestations. Provided a yield advantage of 8.8% over similar genetics without the MaisGard* gene for every corn borer cavity present in the untreated checks.
Results from 4 locations showed that Pioneer Bt-hybrids:
- For PSB Had significantly less feeding damage (length of tunneling, number of tunnels) under low, medium and high stalk borer infestations. Reduced significantly the average number of larvae per plant. Provided a yield advantage from 9.4% to 109% over similar genetics without the MaisGard* gene.
Conclusion: Pioneer hybrids with the MaisGard* gene have proven value, even at low levels of corn borer or stalk borer infestation.

Trademark of and used under license from Monsanto Company.