Many states are still experiencing the effects of last season’s drought and farmers are looking for ways to help mitigate risk as they head into planting season. A root comparison study conducted at Monsanto’s Gothenburg Water Utilization Learning Center showed the benefits of deeper root systems. An incorporated root dig revealed the featured DEKALB product to have a significantly deeper, more evenly spread root structure than competitive products. DEKALB drought-tolerant corn plants have deep, strong root structures that allow the plants to reach crucial moisture locked within the subsoil. According to Michael Peterson - lead agronomist with a tillage and earth-moving company that participated in the root dig excavation - more water and more nutrients are contained from 30 to 80 inches below ground. He says deeper roots can help plants withstand lengthy drought stress. He says DEKALB brand has been a leader in the development of what’s going on below ground - so they can produce 700 to 800 kernels per ear.
Corn farmers in areas where drought conditions range from severe to exceptional can look forward to deeper roots and strong yields with Monsanto’s latest tool for combating drought stress - DEKALB Genuity DroughtGard Hybrids. DEKALB will lead the stewarded commercial introduction of new Genuity DroughtgGard Hybrids this season. These hybrids combine the DEKALB brand’s drought-tolerant genetics with the industry’s first drought-tolerant biotech trait and agronomic practices. During the 2012 season - Genuity DroughtGard Hybrids experienced strong performance in trials - with commercial products showing a yield advantage of more than five-bushels per acre over competitor hybrids.
Monsanto’s Gothenburg Learning Center Agronomist Mark Reiman says the root dig demonstrated the superiority of DEKALB drought-tolerant genetics. He says combining those breeding genetics with the new drought-tolerant biotech trait in DroughtGard Hybrids will mean the potential for even more powerful yield protection for DEKALB farmers in 2013.
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