Pioneer Introduces New Sunflower Hybrid with DuPont™ ExpressSun™ Trait

New system opens up weed control options for sunflower crops

DES MOINES, Iowa,- Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and DuPont Crop Protection have introduced a new cost-effective, broad-spectrum weed control option for sunflower growers: Pioneer® brand sunflower hybrids with the DuPont™ ExpressSun™ trait. The ExpressSun™ trait, which provides tolerance to Express® herbicide with TotalSol™ soluble granules from DuPont, made its U.S. market debut in Pioneer brand hybrid 63N81.

This unique sunflower system from DuPont Crop Protection and Pioneer is designed to maximize weed control in sunflower crops, improving ease of production and potential yield. This system provides improved broadleaf weed control over conventional hybrids with traditional herbicides.

“In the past, options for sunflower growers have been limited for broadleaf weed control,” says John Muenzenberger, Pioneer senior marketing manager for soybeans and oilseed product strategy. “Incorporating sulfonylurea (SU) tolerance into sunflower hybrids allows growers to control tough broadleaf weeds such as Canada thistle. The ExpressSun™ trait, together with high-yielding Pioneer sunflower hybrids, will provide growers with a cost-effective crop management solution.”

“DuPont™ Express® herbicide has provided excellent control of broadleaf weeds in wheat and barley for nearly two decades,” says Marty Wojcik, DuPont Crop Protection portfolio manager. “Now, with the ExpressSun™ trait, sunflower growers can benefit from the control of new Express® herbicide with TotalSol™ soluble granule formulation to handle Canada thistle and other annual and perennial broadleaf weeds that were tough to control in conventional cropping systems.”

“Pioneer and DuPont researchers brought this tolerance trait to market and developed this hybrid through traditional methods of plant breeding without the use of genetic modification,” says Muenzenberger. “Sunflower hybrids with the ExpressSun™ trait will be grown, harvested and used just like any traditional sunflower seed. Growers should see normal yields, and perhaps better yields, due to improved weed control.”

The initial hybrid with the ExpressSun™ trait is available in limited quantities for sunflower growers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Approval for potential Canadian import is pending. Products for a wider area will be available in 2008, and Pioneer expects to increase supplies of sunflower products with the ExpressSun™ trait throughout a widening geography through 2010.

To preserve the efficacy of sunflowers with the ExpressSun™ trait, growers will be required to follow good stewardship practices for effective herbicide resistance management. For more information about Pioneer brand sunflower hybrid 63N81, contact your local Pioneer sales professional. For more information about Express® herbicide with TotalSol™ soluble granules for use on hybrids with the ExpressSun™ trait, contact your local crop protection retailer or DuPont representative.