Graham Head; Monsanto Company, GG3E; 700 Chesterfield Parkway; St. Louis, Missouri 63198; USA

In the United States, more insecticides are used for the control of corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) on maize than are used for any other pest in any crop. Some of the more commonly used insecticides have issues around their environmental safety and the safety of farmer's using them. Transgenic maize hybrids expressing a protein that controls corn rootworm will provide a safe and effective alternative to currently used insecticides. The effectiveness of these hybrids has been demonstrated in the field and appropriate insect resistance management tactics are being developed to ensure their durability.