Pioneer ProtectorTM products help farmers protect their crops against broomrape and downy mildew
LUGANO, Switzerland, October 30, 2013 – DuPont Pioneer announces the launch of Pioneer ProtectorTM products in major European sunflower markets. These hybrids will help European sunflower growers protect their crops against broomrape and downy mildew disease.
“DuPont Pioneer has always been at the forefront in providing genetics with high yield potential and solid agronomics that anticipate grower needs. We have now taken a further step forward with the introduction of the Pioneer Protector™ Broomrape and Pioneer Protector™ Downy Mildew trait packages,” said Jeff Rowe, Regional Director, DuPont Pioneer Europe.
Broomrape is a dominant issue in key European sunflower growing areas around the Black Sea, as well as Central and Southern Europe. It is a parasitic weed that attacks the root system of sunflower and can result in total yield loss under severe pressure. In addition, it produces large quantities of seeds which can persist in the soil for up to twenty years.
“The Pioneer Protector™ Broomrape trait package in high performing Pioneer® brand hybrids provides several benefits to growers,” said Thibaut Chirouzes, Product Manager, Sunflower, DuPont Pioneer Europe. “Because of its potential for rapid mutation, broomrape has evolved into multiple races. The Pioneer Protector™ Broomrape trait package provides the highest level of protection available on the market. By planting hybrids with the Pioneer Protector™ trait package, growers also contribute to reducing the amount of broomrape seeds produced in their fields and the potential for infection in the following years,” added Chirouzes.
Downy Mildew is one of the most serious soil borne diseases facing sunflower growers worldwide. It is present in almost all sunflower growing regions, causes plant-stunting and significant yield loss under severe infestation.
“The rapid mutation of the Downy Mildew pathogen has resulted in the spread of new and more aggressive races. The Pioneer Protector™ Downy Mildew trait package provides the highest level of downy mildew resistance currently available on the market against the greatest number of races”, concluded Chirouzes.
DuPont Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success
®.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit
www.dupont.com.
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10/30/13
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