March 30, 2006

Pioneer to release new inoculant for high-moisture silage corn

Press release
 

Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc is set to release a new inoculant designed specifically for farmers ensiling high-moisture corn.

Pioneer inoculant 11B91 features two proprietary strains of bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri.

The biggest advantage of this product is that it is a combination of two lactic acid-producing bacteria, said Gene Gengelbach, forage products marketing manager for Pioneer. These bacteria providing improved fermentation, increased bunk life and protection from heat, yeast and other organisms.

Pioneer recommends 11B91 for farmers who face problems of heating and aerobic instability in high-moisture corn. It is formulated for corn ensiled at the proper maturity in upright, bunker or bag silos at moistures ranging from 22 percent to 32 percent.

The product would be suitable for farmers feeding high-moisture corn during hot weather and having trouble with it overheating, Gengelbach said.

The company said the product is able to reduce aerobic dry matter losses. The inoculated corn retained over 2 percentage units more dry matter than untreated controls in studies.

11B91 is the fourth inoculant developed specifically for high-moisture corn by Pioneer.

Gengelbach cautions farmers that in order to work well, an inoculant would have to complement good silage practices.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc, a subsidiary of DuPont, provides customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer researches advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries.