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Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™: A systemic insecticide and biological seed treatment for corn nematode control. Concerns surrounding corn nematodes have been increasing in areas of the Corn Belt. The increase may be attributed to the increase in conservation tillage, reduced use of organophosphates and carbamates, and the upswing in continuous corn acres. Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment, developed by Bayer CropScience, contains a naturally occurring “Bt” (Bacillus firmus) soil bacteria, or rhizobacteria, that produces a living barrier around the corn root which deprives nematodes the ability to detect the presence of corn roots.

Nematodes Nematodes are threadlike, microscopic, non-segmented worm-like organisms found in environments around the world. Many species are beneficial as they help recycle nutrients by feeding on bacteria and fungi that live in the soil. However, there are over 4,000 nematode species that feed on plant roots and cause damage. Approximately 28 nematode species are associated with corn, but only a few cause economic damage. Corn nematode damage often goes unnoticed because it can mimic symptoms associated with nutrient deficiencies, insect damage, diseases, and environmental stress such as drought. Corn nematodes can damage corn plants by their direct root feeding, facilitating bacterial and fungal infections, and transmitting viruses. While rare, corn yields can be reduced 10 to 20 percent by various species of corn nematodes. Nematodes feed by inserting a long, hollow, needle-shaped mouth stylet or spear into root plant cells and withdrawing nutrients and water. The population at which damage occurs, varies among the nematode species. Economic damage can occur with only one needle or sting nematode in a cm3 of soil1. In comparison, spiral nematodes may require 500-1,000 worms per cm3 of soil to cause economic damage1.

There are two basic types of parasitic nematodes, endoparasitic and ectoparasitic. Endoparasitic nematodes live within the roots; ectoparasitic nematodes live in the soil around the roots and feed on root tissue. Endoparasitic nematode species include lance (Hoplolaimus galeatus), lesion (Pratylenchus), stem (Ditylenchus spp.), and stubby root (Paratrichodorus spp.). Ectoparasitic nematode species include dagger (Xiphinema americanum), pin (Gracilacus Paratylenchus spp.), needle (Longidorus spp.), sheath

(Hemicycliophora spp.), spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.), stunt (Quinisulcius spp. and Tylenchorhynchus spp.), and ring (Criconemoides spp. and related genera).2

Increasing Concern

With the increased use of biotech insect resistant corn products such as Genuity® SmartStax®, the use of soil insecticides has decreased, creating the potential for increased populations of corn nematodes. Conservation tillage has also increased, reducing the potential to kill nematodes through exposure. The value of commodity corn has provided the desire for many corn producers to plant continuous corn, which maintains a favorable environment in which corn nematodes can thrive.

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Severe: 9-10 Rating Moderate: 7-8 Rating

Measurable: 4-6 Rating Slight: 1-3 Rating

Severity (1 = Slight; 10 = Severe)

Corn and Soybean Insect and Disease Assessment Survey, Study #3416, November 2009

Figure 1. Monsanto Company Corn Nematode Severity Assessment 2009

1Tylka, G. April 28, 2009. Quick facts about corn nematodes. Integrated Crop Management News. Iowa State University Extension. http://www.extension.iastate.edu. (verified 11/18/10). 2Norton, D. and R. Nyvall. September 1999. Nematodes that attack corn in iowa. PM 1027. http://www.extension.iastate.edu (verified 11/18/10).

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In 2009, Monsanto technical and sales personnel participated in an infestation severity survey for their areas of responsibility. Corn nematodes were included in the assessment. Much of the central Corn Belt received a slight to measurable rating for current infestation (Figure 1). However, the survey indicated corn nematode populations were increasing in a large portion of the central Corn Belt (Figure 2).

Research Protocols Seed treatments are being considered as a viable option for nematodes for several reasons. Seed treatments are an alternative to in-furrow nematicide products and can be matched with corn insect traits and seed treatment insecticides that control many corn insects. Seed treatments for nematode control may be a desirable option for growers because they are convenient and can be targeted to specific areas of a field.

In 2010, a Monsanto research protocol was established to test the ability of Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment to control corn nematodes in combination with Acceleron® seed treatment products. Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment is labeled for providing protection against the feeding of dagger, lance, needle, pin, ring, root knot, root lesion, spiral, sting, stubby root, and stunt corn nematodes.

Twenty-five strip trials were established by Monsanto Technology Development personnel on corn nematode identified fields.

The strip trials compared:

1) Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products to a competitive standard.

2) Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products alone to Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products combined with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ Seed Treatment

3) Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ Seed Treatment compared to a competitive standard.

In separate Monsanto Company trials, commercial strip plot trials were established to compare Acceleron® seed treatment products with and without Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment in non-identified corn nematode infested fields. In these commercial trials, 137 comparisons were made.

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Increasing

Not Increasing

Corn Nematode Incidence

Figure 2. Monsanto Company 2009 Corn Nematode Severity Assessment

Corn and Soybean Insect and Disease Assessment Survey, Study #3416, November 2009

Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™: A systemic insecticide and biological seed treatment for corn nematode control.

Figure 3. Early Season Vigor of Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products

vs Competitive Standard.

Protocol 2010-01-69-03; Technology Development Strip Trials, Nematode Infested Fields; N = 16 (25 established); Data current as of 10/24/10.

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Research Results Acceleron® seed treatment products with demonstrated increased early season vigor compared to a competitive standard (Figure 3). In addition, Acceleron® seed treatment products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment demonstrated increased vigor compared with the competitive standard (Figure 4). Compared to Acceleron® seed treatment products alone in corn nematode infested fields, Acceleron® seed treatment products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment yielded 6.3 Bu/A more corn in 16 harvested strip trials (Figure 5); 4.7 Bu/A more corn than a competitive standard in 16 harvested strip trials (Figure 6). In fields where nematode pressure was not assessed, Acceleron® seed treatment products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment yielded 2.3 Bu/A more corn when compared with Acceleron® seed treatment products (137 head-to-head comparisons) (Figure 7).

Conclusion Data suggests Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment have the ability to improve vigor and increase yield potential. Other integrated pest

management steps to help control corn nematodes include crop rotation and tillage where applicable.

Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™: A systemic insecticide and biological seed treatment for corn nematode control.

Figure 4. Improved Early Season Vigor Demonstrated by Acceleron® Seed Treatment

Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™ Seed Treatment vs.

Competitive Standard.

Protocol 2010-01-69-03; Technology Development Strip Trials, Nematode Infested Fields; N = 16 (25 established); Data current as of 10/24/10

Figure 5. Performance of Poncho®/VOTiVO™Seed Treatment in 16 Monsanto Company Research Trials

with Confirmed Nematode Infestation.

Technology Development Nematode Strip Trial Fields with confirmed nematode infesta-tion. Protocol 2010-01-69-03; N = 16 (25 established); Data current as of 10/24/10.

+ 6.3 Bu/A

Figure 6. Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™Seed Treatment vs.

Competitive Standard.

Technology Development Nematode Strip Trial Fields which are nematode infested. Protocol 2010-01-69-03; N = 14 (25 established); Data current as of 10/24/10.

57% Win rate and 4.7 bu/A advantage

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Sources: Tylka, G. April 28, 2009. Quick facts about corn nematodes. Integrated Crop Management News. Iowa State University Extension. http://www.extension.iastate.edu. (verified 11/18/10). Kirby, H. W., June 12, 1998. Corn nematodes. The Bulletin. No. 12. IPM. University of Illinois. htttp://bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu. (verified 11/18/10). Niblack, T. February 16, 2010. Facing the corn nematode problem in Illinois. ACES News. University of Illinois. Reported by Jennifer Shike. http://www.aces.uiuc.edu (verified 11/18/10). Niblack, T. Corn nematodes: an old problem is coming back to haunt us. University of Illinois. http://agronomyday.cropsci.illinois.edu (verified 11/18/10). Norton, D. and R. Nyvall. September 1999. Nematodes that attack corn in iowa. PM 1027. http://www.extension.iastate.edu (verified 11/18/10). November 13, 2007. The hidden predator in corn. AGProfessional. http://www.agprofessional.com (verified 11/18/10).

VOTiVO™ website. Bayer CropScience. http://www.votivo.us (verified 11/18/10). Avicta® Complete Corn website. Syngenta® . http://avictacomplete.com (verified 11/18/10).

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across bounda-ries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Biotechnology Industry Or-ganization. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state. Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to gly-phosate. DEKALB®, Genuity®, Roundup®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, SmartStax®, and Technology Development by Monsanto and Design℠ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Ignite®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design®, and Poncho® are registered trademarks of Bayer. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Respect the Refuge® and Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers Association. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2010 Monsanto Com-pany. 113010LGM.

Acceleron® Seed Treatment Products with Poncho®/VOTiVO™: A systemic insecticide and biological seed treatment for corn nematode control.

Figure 7. Performance of Poncho®/VOTiVO™ Seed Treatment in Commercial Strip Trials with

Unknown Nematode Infestation (137 Comparisons).

Data as of 11-3-2010