Bayer launches VTPRO4 biotechnology for corn in Brazil

Bayer launches a new generation of hybrid corn biotechnology for the Brazilian market, VTPRO4, which will further contribute to the control of the main caterpillars that affect the crop. Producers will already have access to new technology in this 2021/22 harvest, with hybrids adapted for the main producing regions.

One of the main differences of this new Bayer biotechnology is that it has two modes of action that reinforce control against caterpillars in the root part, and three that help defend the cob and the plant. “As a result, corn is up to 5 times more protected against these pests, resulting in greater productivity, as the percentage of damaged ears drops to 2,6%. In crops without biotechnology, the damage can reach 44%”, explains the launch leader for VTPRO4, Danilo Belia.

Before bringing the new VTPRO4 hybrid to the market, Bayer carried out field tests with partner farmers. From 2018 until the 2020/2021 off-season harvest, 271 areas received the tests and the tests showed an average increase of 3,2% in the productivity of VTPRO4 compared to VTPRO3 and 14,5% in relation to not using the technology Bt.

“The tests with our partner producers were essential for us to understand the positive impact that this new technology has in combating these pests. It will be an extremely important tool for the producer”, says Belia. “It is important to highlight that good agronomic practices, such as refuge, pest monitoring and seed treatment, are fundamental for the preservation of any technology and remain important pillars of our solutions.”

Pests to control the aerial part include the stem borer (Diatraea saccharalis), the earworm (Helicoverpa zea), the elastic caterpillar (Elasmopalpus lignosellus), the threadworm (Agrotis ipsilon) and the The feared fall armyworm (Spodoptera fugiperda), which despite being well known, remains one of the main problems in all Brazilian states where corn is grown, with losses ranging between 30% and 50% of the harvest. To reinforce control of the plant's aerial part, VTPRO4 combines the expression of the VIP3A protein with the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins.

“The fall armyworm is considered one of the most harmful, as it attacks from the germination phase, reducing the plant stand, to the vegetative and reproductive phases, causing defoliation and affecting the ears. Furthermore, it feeds on various crops, including even weeds that resist in the fields, which makes control difficult”, states the launch leader, highlighting that the new technology also confers tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate which, when prescribed and Applied according to the guidance of a qualified agronomist, it makes it easier for the farmer to manage weeds.

The root system has been reinforced by a new mechanism of action based on interference RNA (Dvsf7 RNA) which, combined with the Cry3Bb protein, minimizes potential damage caused by pinworm larvae (Diabrotica speciosa), which can reach 70% of productivity. 

“This provides the rural producer with more effective management, as well as collaborating with the plant in relation to the absorption of water and nutrients, protecting the productive potential of the crop and resulting in greater stability. VTPRO4 was developed to enhance the corn producer's experience, expanding crop protection, from root to shoot and offering an important evolution compared to the previous technology, launched 7 years ago”, he assesses.