Bayer Crop Science is rolling out a wave of innovation for corn and soybean growers, with game-changing products in the pipeline for the next few seasons. As a leader in agricultural research and development, Bayer says the future looks bright for boosting yields and battling pests.
Jamie Horton, brand manager for DEKALB, says one of the most exciting advancements is the Preceon Smart Corn System, designed to improve plant resilience and yield performance.
According to Horton, “These products would include ongoing germplasm improvements from the DEKALB brand to continue to boost that yield potential, but also enhance protection against insect pests, diseases, other agronomic challenges… we’re really excited about the Preceon Smart Corn System which offers that short stature corn around seven feet tall compared to traditional plants. This also offers a thicker stalk, greater protection against lodging, green snap, and greater application flexibility to help maximize that crop’s performance.”
Horton says Bayer is also raising the bar in pest control, with a new solution aimed squarely at one of corn’s most stubborn threats—rootworm.
“We know corn rootworm is something that we continue to battle. Corn Rootworm 4 is Bayer’s fourth-generation corn rootworm trait. It’ll provide two new insecticidal proteins for improved control of high-pressure, yield-robbing rootworm populations. Another piece is LEP5, in development, which offers new solutions for above-ground pests, including corn earworm, fall armyworm, and Southwestern corn borer.”
The innovations aren’t limited to corn. Soybean growers will also see big changes on the horizon. Brittany Eubank, brand manager for Asgrow, says a new soybean trait package called Viconic is expected to launch in 2027.
Eubank says, “we have exciting performance with our Asgrow XtendFlex soybeans today. But what we’re even more excited about is the launch of Viconic in 2027, the first soybean to have five herbicide tolerances: Glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2-4D and miso. We’re seeing extremely positive performance over our XtendFlex soybeans, and we’re looking forward to having a variety of maturities across the entire U.S.”
Eubank adds that even more weed control options are coming soon, including a sixth herbicide tolerance and a new Group 12 herbicide.
“We’ve got Viconic coming out in 2027, but not far behind is our fifth generation of herbicide tolerance HT5 soybeans adding PPO resistance. That’s six total herbicide tolerances. And in our crop protection portfolio, we have something called Convintro, a Group 12 herbicide expected next season. It’s going to offer a new tool for fighting resistant Palmer and waterhemp, while maintaining yield potential.”
For more on Bayer’s upcoming lineup, farmers can reach out to their local DEKALB or Asgrow dealer or visit DEKALB.com and Asgrow.com.