For decades, corn farmers have been battling the most destructive pest in history, corn rootworm, which has earned the nickname “billion-dollar bug” due to its enormous costs for farmers in both damage and control measures. Over that time, both the pest and technologies used to control it have changed, however one thing that Midwestern farmers have been able to rely on for 25 years is the consistent management of corn rootworm from Force® soil-applied insecticide.

 

Since their introduction, Bt corn rootworm traits have provided farmers with a convenient and effective method for managing corn rootworm; however, recent instances of unexpected corn rootworm damage and difficult-to-control populations have shown the value of applying Force insecticide to Midwestern corn acres, perhaps now more than ever.

 

“As a leader in corn insect control, we’re committed to the sustainable, long-term management of corn rootworm, and for the last 25 years, Force insecticide has been a proven and reliable tool for effective corn rootworm control,” said Geoff Lower, insecticides product lead with Syngenta. “Force is an important product in our portfolio and it will continue to be a key part of our customers’ rootworm management strategies as we help them grow more corn.”

 

Iowa retailer, Jim Plummer, has seen the benefits of Force insecticide firsthand. “I have had really good results with granular Force 3G insecticide over the years,” said Plummer. “I have seen excellent rootworm and early-season pest control in the fields I have scouted since Force insecticide came out and I am extremely happy with it.”

 

Given recent concerns about tough-to-manage corn rootworm populations, Force can help farmers maximize their yield and return on investment in the face of high rootworm and early-season insect pressure. Hundreds of on-farm trials have proven that Force insecticide boosts yield by an average of more than 10 bushels per acre when applied on rootworm-traited corn.

 

In addition to helping farmers protect their fields from tough-to-manage corn rootworm and other early-season pests, Force insecticide helps corn plants develop stronger root systems that maximize the plant’s uptake of water and nutrients, leading to a healthier plant that is better able to survive seasonal stress. Stronger roots also lead to increased standability for a faster, more efficient harvest.

 

Available in both a granular and liquid formulation, Force insecticide offers farmers flexibility to choose the application method and equipment that best fit their operation. Additionally, the unique chemistry of Force insecticide makes it safe for use with any weed management program.

 

“You have more options when you use Force insecticide with the other sprays and herbicides you come back with, because you have no risk for crop injury,” said Frank Gorski, an Indiana farmer. “And we’ve had good results with it. We use Force insecticide on all of our corn acres.”

 

“The longstanding value Force insecticide has created for farmers is a testament to its durability,” said Lower. “Syngenta recognizes the importance of effective and reliable corn rootworm control and we’re proud to provide our customers with a product that has done just that for the last 25 years.”

 

For more information about the benefits of Force insecticide, talk to your local Syngenta sales representative, visit www.ForceOnTrait.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.