What’s in a genetically modified (GM) corn trait? The simple answer: insect resistance and herbicide tolerance to help corn genetics reach their full potential. The more complex answer: power proteins and advanced mode of action technology to protect the plant from yield-robbing pests and provide herbicide tolerance for weed control. We’re diving into the details of corn trait technology in this all-encompassing traits 101 guide.

Genetics vs Traits

Genetics are the DNA makeup of the corn plant. They come from native corn germplasm, and in LG Seeds’ case, that germplasm is derived from one of the largest breeding programs in the United States, backed by a global germplasm pool. Genetics are what give corn hybrids familiar agronomic characteristics like standability, disease tolerance, flex ears and more.

GM Traits are an “add on”, if you will, to the corn hybrid. Traits give the hybrid added herbicide tolerance and insect resistance that aren’t found in the native corn gene pool. There are a multitude of trait offerings available, and LG Seeds offers a variety of industry-leading corn trait choices, combined with our unique corn germplasm you won’t find from other seed companies.

Trait Choices for Above and Below Ground Protection

SmartStax® PRO Technology offers a new RNAi-based mode of action for added defense against corn rootworm. The RNAi technology works alongside two proven Bt traits, interfering with a corn rootworm’s ability to create a specific protein necessary for its survival. In addition to corn rootworm, SmartStax® PRO Technology also protects against above-ground pests like European corn borer, cutworms, armyworms and earworms. Together, the new RNAi technology and two proven Bt traits pack a powerful punch against corn rootworm, while still providing the glyphosate and glufosinate herbicide tolerance you need. LG Seeds is excited to offer this new trait on LG55C32STXPRIB for 2023.

SmartStax® provides powerful protection against above and below ground pests including corn rootworm, European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, corn earworm and black cutworm. Five different modes of action work together to combat above and below ground pests, with two modes of action fighting corn rootworm. SmartStax® also offers broad spectrum weed control with glyphosate and glufosinate tolerance. Use our trait filter to see the LG Seeds SmartStax® corn lineup.


The Agrisure Duracade® 5222 trait features two modes of actions to control corn rootworm, and five total modes of action working against above and below ground pests. Agrisure Duracade expresses a protein with a unique binding site in the gut of the corn rootworm, reducing pressure on the corn seedling and helping hybrids develop a stronger, more robust root system. Agrisure Duracade 5222 offers glyphosate tolerance, and glufosinate tolerance in EZ1 version (see bag tag). Use our trait filter to find LG Seeds hybrids with the Agrisure Duracade® 5222 trait.

Agrisure Duracade® 5122 is similar to 5222, differing only by the mode of actions used to combat broad lepidopteras. 5122 contains one less mode of action against the species, but Agrisure Duracade 5122 still offers leading protection against many above and below ground pests. Use our trait filter to discover Agrisure Duracade® 5122 traited hybrids.

Agrisure Viptera® 3111 protects against 14 corn-damaging pests. Insects like European corn borer, fall armyworm and corn rootworm are all fought off with Agrisure Viptera® 3111, but it’s known for it’s protection against western bean cutworm. Glyphosate and glufosinate tolerance make weed control a breeze with Agrisure Viptera® 3111. Check out the LG Seeds hybrids with Agrisure Viptera 3111 traits using our hybrid trait filter.

Trait Choices for Above Ground Insect Protection

In VT Double Pro®, two modes of action work together to fight above ground pests like European corn borer, southwestern corn borer and fall armyworm. The trait uses Roundup Ready® 2 Technology for glyphosate tolerance. Find LG Seeds VT DoublePro® products by using our hybrid corn trait filter.

Trecepta® uses three modes of action and gives you added control against European and southwestern corn borers, armyworm, cutworm and earworm. It’s built on the proven technology of VT Double Pro® and offers the same glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Find LG Seeds hybrids with Trecepta® in our trait filter.

Agrisure Viptera® 3330, 3220 and 3110 all offer control of above ground insects and have a good fit where corn rootworm pressure is minimal. Reference the Agrisure trait naming conventions to understand the differences between 3330, 3220 and 3110. Find LG Seeds products with a variety of these Agrisure Viptera® trait choices by using our hybrid trait filter.




Agrisure® 3120 provides two modes of action against above-ground pests, along with glyphosate tolerance. Use the hybrid trait filter to find LG Seeds products with the Agrisure® 3120 trait.

Trait Choices for Uncontrollable Risks

DroughtGuard® hybrids may not add any insect or herbicide tolerance, but this GM trait adds control for the most unpredictable factor of the growing season: the weather. Add superior drought tolerance with the DroughtGuard® Hybrids gene that supports development of critical growth proteins in corn – creating reliable yield even when water is scarce. Use our hybrid trait filter to find DroughtGuard® hybrids from LG Seeds.

Build Your Customized Plan

Whether you’re looking for 77- or 118-day corn, specific disease tolerances, bin-busting yields, or ROI for a challenging acre, you can build a customized seed strategy for how you grow with our portfolio of hybrid choices. Unique genetics backed by our own global research program allows you to truly diversify and manage your risk with corn you can’t get anywhere else plus the latest and greatest in crop tech and industry-leading trait packages. For details on all the trait choices available from LG Seeds, check out our Trait & Mode of Action chart and visit our corn hybrid page. You know your farm best, but we’re here when you need us. Get in touch to build your customized plan today.

Sources:

LG Seeds. 2021. Trait Choices and Mode-of-Action Comparisons. https://www.lgseeds.com/docs/default-source/external-files/f22_trait_moa.pdf?sfvrsn=24ec9848_2

DiFonzo, Chris. 2021. The Handy Bt Trait Table for U.S. corn Production. https://www.lgseeds.com/docs/default-source/external-files/bttraittable_feb_2021b-(002).pdf?sfvrsn=9439b42f_2

Bayer. SmartStax® PRO with RNAi Technology. https://traits.bayer.com/corn/Pages/SmartStax-PRO.aspx

Bayer. SmartStax® RIB Complete® Corn Blend. https://traits.bayer.com/corn/Pages/SmartStax-RIB-Complete.aspx

Bayer. VT Double PRO® RIB Complete® Corn Blend. https://traits.bayer.com/corn/Pages/VT-Double-PRO-RIB-Complete.aspx

Bayer. Trecepta® Corn. https://traits.bayer.com/corn/Pages/Trecepta.aspx

Bayer. DroughtGuard® Hybrids. https://traits.bayer.com/corn/Pages/DroughtGard-Hybrids.aspx

Syngenta. Agrisure Duracade®. https://www.syngenta-us.com/seed/agrisure-duracade

Syngenta. Agrisure Viptera®. https://www.syngenta-us.com/seed/agrisure-viptera

Syngenta. 2013. Agrisure Trait Technology Helps Grow More Corn. https://www.lgseeds.com/docs/default-source/external-files/agrisure-traits-portfolio.pdf?sfvrsn=623d7e64_2

Syngenta. Agrisure Duracade trait stacks: The ultimate option for insect control, simplicity and choice. https://www.lgseeds.com/docs/default-source/external-files/duracade_ecu_technical_bulletin_2018.pdf?sfvrsn=b71d7adb_2

Syngenta. 2020. A New Dimension of Insect Control. https://www.lgseeds.com/docs/default-source/external-files/agrisure_duracade_ecu_corn_technical_bulletin_sep2020_lr.pdf?sfvrsn=621cbf9a_2

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Please read seed tag to confirm the herbicide tolerance of the refuge component before use of glufosinate or glyphosate. Roundup Ready® 2 Technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate. Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Glufosinate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glufosinate. Seed products with the LibertyLink® (LL) trait are resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, an alternative to glyphosate in corn, and combine high-yielding genetics with the powerful, non-selective, postemergent weed control of Liberty® herbicide for optimum yield and excellent weed control. Syngenta claims suppression of corn earworm with Bt11. Agrisure Duracade® 5222A, Agrisure Viptera® 3330A, Agrisure Viptera® 3220A, and Agrisure Viptera® 3110A contain Agrisure Artesian® technology. Contact your seed brand dealer for recommended weed control programs. Performance may vary from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields. The most current Terms and Conditions of Sale and additional stewardship and trademark information can be found at lgseeds.com/legal. The LG Seeds Design® is a registered trademark of AgReliant Genetics, LLC. Insect control technology provided by Vip3A is utilized under license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. Agrisure®, Agrisure Duracade®, Agrisure Viptera®, and E-Z Refuge® are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design® are trademarks of BASF Corporation. RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design™, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, SmartStax®, Trecepta®, VT Double PRO® and XtendFlex® are trademarks of Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2021 AgReliant Genetics, LLC