GUARD X, the first-ever EPA-approved corn rootworm biological to be delivered to the furrow through the patented BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology seed fluency system, was officially released by Meristem Crop Performance. With GUARD X, farmers now have an easy-to-use alternative to paying more money for expensive trait stacks and costly, difficult to handle insecticides.In recent years resistance of corn rootworm to traits has increased and insect pressure has risen. For growers, making a wrong bet can mean big losses: corn rootworm damage, yield loss and mitigation is costing American farmers about $1 billion annually according to the USDA.
GUARD X Corn Rootworm (CRW) Management + Root Regeneration provides a new means to guard roots from CRW larvae. GUARD X induces the plant’s genes to trigger production of natural defense root exudates that confuse CRW larvae, so they move away from the root. As part of defense mechanism, biological activity also promotes root regrowth if a larva does cause damage.
Meristem’s GUARD X is a biological pesticide that uses a unique strain of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria known as pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) which protect the root zone and mitigate corn rootworm feeding damage. Veteran biologicals expert Chris Thrasher, Meristem’s Director of Innovation and Product Management, says the future will be about pairing biologicals like these effectively with EPA-approved chemistry, and he says only Meristem can deliver full strength biologicals alongside those other active ingredients.
Meristem’s GUARD X launch comes on the heels of EPA’s approval of the company’s METALAXYL ST for delivery on soybeans through the BIO-CAPSULE system, where it can be used effectively with biocontrol, PREPHYTE ST™ for control of soil-borne threats such as Pythium, Pytophthora and Fusarium. Eviston says GUARD X is another such innovation bringing better control and convenience to those seeking more flexibility and a better ROI (return on investment) in corn production.
At Meristem, Mitch Eviston explains, bringing this sort of innovation that cuts waste and brings real productivity to farmers is key to the fast growth of the company. He ticks off several examples:
- “Compared to the common synthetic 10-34-0 liquid starter, UPSHIFT® C can save farmers up to 50 percent and reduce the waste of diesel fuel by others hauling water.”
- “With our AQUADRAFT® C, you can mix your own best-in-class adjuvant – you can make it for $5/gallon and have it ready when you need to use it.”
- “On your residue, our EXCAVATOR® can help you release the NPK you already paid for and do it in time for the next crop you plant. There’s $200 worth of NPK in every acre after you harvest a 200-bushel corn crop – you can save up to 30 percent on your fertilizer spend.”
Read The Full Article Here – Meristermag
