Syngenta announced today the USDA has fully deregulated the Agrisure Duracade corn rootworm trait. Producers can expect corn hybrids containing the trait to be available for the 2014 season.

Agrisure Duracade expresses a unique protein to control corn rootworm. It has a different mode of action to Syngenta’s existing Agrisure corn rootworm trait. According to a company release, “when combined these traits provide unmatched insect control: USDA data show a tenfold reduction in Western corn rootworm beetle emergence and superior performance against all comparable traits.”

“This is the fourth introduction of a proprietary corn trait in the past six years, demonstrating our ability rapidly to deliver ground-breaking innovations to growers,” says Davor Pisk, chief operating officer. “The technology will be available at a time when insect resistance is a rising challenge. Its proven dual mode of action will be indispensable for the effective management of corn pests and will raise farm productivity.”

Agrisure Duracade enhances Syngenta’s corn insect control portfolio, which includes seed treatments and insecticides as well as traits. It will also be used to create the company’s refuge-in-a-bag solutions for corn rootworm control featuring two new trait stacks: Agrisure Duracade 5122 and Agrisure Duracade 5222.

Agrisure Duracade was a 2013 FinOvation award winner. For more information, visit syngenta.com.