What is Monsanto SmartStax?
Monsanto SmartStax is a genetically modified corn product that contains genes from three different traits , making it resistant to various pests and herbicides. It was introduced in the United States and Canada in 2009, following its approval by the regulatory bodies in the respective countries.
One of the most notable traits of Monsanto SmartStax is its resistance to multiple pests, including the corn earworm, corn borer, and Western bean cutworm, among others. Additionally, it is resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, which is commonly used to control weeds in corn fields.
SmartStax was developed by Monsanto in collaboration with Dow AgroSciences, and it is marketed under the Genuity brand name. The product was the first eight-trait GM corn in the world when it was introduced, and it quickly gained popularity among farmers due to its superior performance in the field and increased yields.
However, the introduction of SmartStax also raised concerns among some groups, who argued that the product could have negative effects on the environment and human health. Some studies have suggested that GM crops could harm beneficial insects and birds that rely on them for food, and could also lead to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Despite the controversy surrounding GM crops like SmartStax, they remain popular among farmers and continue to be widely used in agriculture. Monsanto and other companies continue to invest in the development of new GM products that could further increase yields and improve crop resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about monsanto smartstax
SmartStax® RIB Complete® Corn is the most advanced insect and weed control system available. It provides pour-and-plant simplicity and whole-farm yield potential, as well as the broadest spectrum of above and below ground insect protection.
SmartStax PRO Technology is the first product with three modes of action for controlling corn rootworm, the billion-dollar bug. It has a RNAi-based mode of action that works by stopping the production of a specific protein vital to the corn rootworm's survival. It protects against above- and below-ground pests.
SmartStax® PRO with RNAi Technology is the next generation of protection against above- and below-ground pests. * With a unique RNAi-based mode of action, SmartStax PRO Technology builds on the proven benefits of SmartStax® Technology, becoming the first product with three modes of action for corn rootworm control.
Herculex XTRA is the most complete corn trait option for non-Roundup Ready® acres. It provides season-long protection from a broad spectrum of corn insects, including European corn borer, corn rootworm, black cutworm, western bean cutworm and fall armyworm.
SmartStax® PRO is a rootworm-active transgenic pyramid containing the two commercialized Bt proteins expressed in SmartStax® (Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35Ab1) and the new DvSnf7 dsRNA construct [48], constituting the first corn rootworm product containing three modes of action.
Bt corn hybrids have had genes inserted from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produce proteins with insecticidal properties. A variety of protein toxins have been isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis. Different Bt toxins have activity against different types of insects.
VT4PRO Technology will provide farmers protection against above-ground pests including European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, black cutworm, western bean cutworm and corn earworm.
Trecepta® corn targets corn earworm with three modes of built-in action to reduce yield loss by protecting kernels from a wide range of pests. Built on the proven VT Double PRO® technology, Trecepta technology gives you more complete control over above-ground insects.
VT Double PRO® RIB Complete® corn blend contains dual modes of action to help provide your corn with maximum protection against corn earworm and other above-ground pests, like European and southwestern corn borers and fall armyworm. VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn blend is a mix of 95% traited and 5% refuge seed.
Genetics are what give corn hybrids familiar agronomic characteristics like standability, disease tolerance, flex ears and more. GM Traits are an “add on”, if you will, to the corn hybrid. Traits give the hybrid added herbicide tolerance and insect resistance that aren't found in the native corn gene pool.
When selecting hybrids, prioritize yield potential and risk management. There are a number of other components to consider as well, including transgenic options, disease tolerance, maturity, grain dry down, standability, stalk quality, and early season vigor ratings.
What is Bt Maize? Bacillus thuringiensis is a species of bacteria that produces proteins that are toxic to certain insects. Because of this, it has been used as a safe microbial insecticide for over 50 years to control pest caterpillars.
Field corn, also known as cow corn, is a North American term for maize (Zea mays) grown for livestock fodder (silage and meal), ethanol, cereal, and processed food products.
Corn hybrids with one or more Bt genes (Bt corn) are resistant to some important pests. Bt corn hybrids are a highly effective and economical alternative to conventional insecticide treatments, if targeted pest activity is at economically significant levels.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops are plants genetically engineered (modified) to contain the endospore (or crystal) toxins of the bacterium, Bt to be resistant to certain insect pests.
VT4PRO Technology will provide farmers protection against above-ground pests including European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, black cutworm, western bean cutworm and corn earworm.
