GeneScan Develops Herculex(TM) I Insect Protection DNA Test Kit in Collaboration with Pioneer, Dow AgroSciences

19-Dec-2003

GeneScan Analytics GmbH, a company of the Eurofins Group, in collaboration with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Dow AgroSciences, has developed a DNA test kit for Herculex(TM) I Insect Protection.

The test kit, which will be marketed soon by GeneScan, will be used to detect the absence, presence and/or level of the Herculex(TM) I Insect Protection trait in hybrid corn seeds, grains and products derived from them. Herculex(TM) I was developed by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer.

"Grain handlers, regulatory agencies, customers and others have high expectations for responsible introduction of new technology. Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences realize this, and, by working with GeneScan on this test kit for Herculex(TM) I, they are demonstrating continuing commitment to strong product stewardship," said Wolfgang Senne, General Manager of GeneScan Analytics.

GeneScan was selected for this project because it has nearly a decade of experience in developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing DNA detection kits. The kit is being made available at the same time that hybrid corn products containing Herculex(TM) I are being introduced in approved markets. The kit will provide laboratories an efficient, accurate and validated tool to determine presence and levels of the Herculex(TM) I trait.

Corn with the Herculex(TM) I trait has received full food and feed approval in the U.S. and Canada, as well as food, feed and import approval in Japan. Recently, Herculex(TM) I received approval for import into South Korea and South Africa. It is approved for food use in South Korea, which has no feed approval requirement. Approval in the EU and other countries is in progress.

Herculex(TM) I, jointly developed by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer, protects the corn plant from more major insects than other Bt corn products on the market, providing growers with full-season protection against European and southwestern corn borer, black cutworm and fall armyworm. Herculex(TM) I products also provide tolerance to Liberty® herbicide which controls more than 100 grass and broadleaf weeds.

GeneScan Analytics GmbH is providing specialised analytical services and products in the field of quality control and identity preservation of food and feed. GeneScan is a leading partner for detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in seeds, agricultural commodities, semi-finished and finished products. The company meets its customers´ global requirements through the operation of its own laboratories in Germany, U.S.A and Brazil and by its network of strategic partners and licensees in further European regions as well as in Japan, Australia/New Zealand and China.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/33185/genescan-develops-herculex-tm-i-insect-protection-dna-test-kit-in-collaboration-with-pioneer-dow-agrosciences.html