New Roundup Ready corn hybrids that will be marketed by more than 100 companies in 1999 equaled or exceeded the yields of leading competitive hybrids in hundreds of side by side comparisons conducted in 1998.

The strip tests were conducted by many of the licensed seed companies that will be selling Roundup Ready corn in 1999*. The tests compared Roundup Ready hybrids with 10 competing hybrids sold in 1998. "The yields were comparable, and the advantage went to the Roundup Ready hybrid in almost every comparison," said Kathleen Ziminski, Roundup Ready corn manager for Monsanto. "In the instances where the yield edge went to the competitor, that hybrid either had higher moisture content or it was protected against insects with YieldGard®, which you would expect to boost yield."

Ziminski said the strip trials provided a clear comparison because they assessed competing hybrids within the same relative maturity group. "Comparing apples to apples, Roundup Ready hybrids did very well," she said. "These results indicate that Roundup Ready hybrids, in a number of different maturity ranges, will deliver yields comparable to or better than competitive hybrids. In addition, growers who choose the Roundup Ready system will receive unmatched weed control and crop safety by using Roundup Ultra herbicide over their corn."

In more than 40 side by side comparisons conducted in 1998, there was an average 3 bushel per acre advantage in using Roundup Ultra over Roundup Ready corn when compared with a competing post-emergence application over an identical hybrid. "Crop safety and herbicide selection do make a difference in yield," Ziminski said. "And for 1999, Roundup Ready corn is labeled to allow sequential applications of Roundup Ultra, giving growers unmatched flexibility in their herbicide program."

The favorable yield comparison for the new Roundup Ready hybrids to be introduced in 1999 continues the favorable results seen in 1998, when DEKALB Genetics Corp. was the sole provider of Roundup Ready corn.

Dr. Tracy Klingaman, DEKALB’s corn agronomic traits manager, cites more than 450 grower
comparisons in 1998, in which DEKALB’s Roundup Ready hybrids delivered a greater per acre
economic advantage** when compared with competing hybrids in similar relative maturity groups.

Grower surveys show high customer satisfaction with Roundup Ready corn, with 96 percent of growers surveyed saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with the Roundup Ready corn system in 1998. "With new hybrids with a wider range of relative maturities for 1999 combined with an expanded Roundup Ultra label, next year should be even better," Ziminski said. "In addition to the favorable yields and unmatched weed control, we also offer growers the unprecedented value of protection against economic loss if weather prevents them from producing a crop."

She was referring to Monsanto’s Technology Value Package (TVP), which is similar to an insurance program for growers who use Monsanto’s biotechnology products, including Roundup Ready corn. If weather prevents an eligible grower enrolled in the TVP program from producing a crop, Monsanto will refund the cost of the technology. If eligible growers are able to replant, Monsanto will share in the cost of replanting and will also refund the cost of a second burndown with Roundup Ultra. In addition to the weather protection, TVP also provides an extra measure of weed control assurance. If growers follow a prescribed Roundup Ready weed control program and get an unexpected flush of annual weeds, they will be eligible for additional Roundup Ultra at no cost to control the late flush of weeds.

"Farming is risky business, and we are pleased that we can share in some of the risk growers take every time they plant their crop," Ziminski said. "We think the high yield potential of  Roundup Ready hybrids, when combined with risk protection of TVP and the unmatched weed control of Roundup Ultra will result in even higher grower satisfaction in 1999. It is our goal to provide the opportunity for every grower to try this new technology with minimal risk and determine if Roundup Ready corn is a good fit for their farm. "

* Users must read and follow the management guidelines indicated on the seed bag tags and the Technology Agreement, for the conditions of domestic use applicable to Roundup Ready corn until approvals are obtained in certain export markets, and for the TVP eligibility.

** considers docking for moisture content over 15 percent and current corn prices.

Roundup Ready , Roundup Ultra® and YieldGard are registered trademarks of Monsanto Company.

N1507