Eurofins | GeneScan, in collaboration with Dow AgroSciences LLC and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, has developed a DNA test kit to detect the Herculex® RW Rootworm Protection and Herculex® XTRA Insect Protection traits in maize hybrids.

Marketed by Eurofins | GeneScan, the test kit will provide government regulatory agencies and grain handlers with an efficient, accurate and validated tool to determine the presence and levels of Herculex® RW and Herculex® XTRA in maize grain.

“With the launch of this Eurofins | GeneScan developed test kit, both Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer are reinforcing their commitment to product stewardship by providing grain handlers, regulatory agencies and the industry with the appropriate analytical tools,” said Andreas Wurz, general manager of Eurofins | GeneScan. “This approach meets and even exceeds regulatory requirements for the introduction of biotech products worldwide.”

Jointly developed by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer, Herculex® RW provides a high level of protection all season long against western, northern and Mexican larval corn rootworm, thereby dramatically reducing adult rootworm emergence. Herculex® XTRA combines the rootworm protection of Herculex® RW with the broad insect protection of Herculex® I Insect Protection for additional protection against corn borers, black cutworm, western bean cutworm and other destructive pests.

The Herculex® RW and the Herculex® XTRA traits received U.S. regulatory approvals in 2005. In addition to U.S. regulatory approval, Herculex® RW and Herculex® XTRA have received regulatory approvals for import into Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, plus full food, feed and cultivation approvals in Canada. Herculex® RW has also received regulatory approvals for import into Mexico and Taiwan.

In 2003, Eurofins | GeneScan developed the DNA test kit for the Herculex® I insect protection trait. The Herculex® I trait was recently approved for import into the European Union.

Herculex Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred.
®Herculex is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC.

Eurofins | GeneScan provides specialised analytical services and products in the field of quality control and identity preservation of food and feed. Eurofins | GeneScan is a leading partner for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in seeds, agricultural commodities, semi-finished and finished products. The company meets its customers´ global requirements through the operation of its laboratories in Germany and USA and by its network of strategic partners and licensees in Brazil, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, China and South Africa.