Pioneer(R) Brand Soybeans From DuPont Deliver Step-Change in Soyb...( New Generation of Soybean Varieties...)

New Generation of Soybean Varieties is Largest Product Launch in Pioneer

History

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred today announced the launch of a new generation of soybean varieties that will deliver unprecedented productivity gains to North American soybean growers. The introduction of the new Y Series soybeans represents the largest volume of commercial products launched in the 82-year history of Pioneer.

Pioneer intends to bring to market for 2009 planting enough seed to plant about 9 million acres of the Y series soybeans in 32 new varieties. The entire line has demonstrated a 5 percent yield advantage against key competitor varieties in more than 1,800 on-farm comparisons, with some varieties yielding 6 to 10 percent better than their competitors.

"The Y Series from Pioneer represents a step-change in soybean productivity," said Paul Schickler, Pioneer president and DuPont vice president and general manager. "With the Y Series yield advantage, this new line has the potential to add about 19 million bushels of soybeans into U.S. production. In a time of tight supplies and soaring demand, that is a strong boost for producers and the industry."

The launch of the new Y Series is the result of a proprietary matrix of traits and technologies Pioneer researchers have been developing and deploying to accelerate product development. Pioneer is employing its exclusive Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT) and marker-assisted selection to boost the yield potential and improve the agronomic performance of these varieties.

Pioneer is the industry leader in developing marker-assisted selection processes to introduce key defensive traits to protect soybean yield from harmful pests such as soybean cyst nematode, Phytophthora root rot and brown stem rot. Recently, Pioneer announced that it has also identified new markers for Asian soybean rust, soybean aphids and fr
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