Monsanto will license the Corn Rootworm III and MON89034 (Bt) traits to Corteva Agriscience, the ag division of DowDuPont. This technology can be integrated into Corteva’s trait technologies. For example, after pending regulatory reviews, Corn Rootworm III will be offered with the Enlist trait for corn.

Corn rootworm is currently displaying resistance to Bt trait technologies in some areas of the U.S., so new tools in the fight are needed. Monsanto representatives say the trait is in “phase 4” of development—the last stage before commercial launch—but did not provide a specific launch year.

“The combination of Corn Rootworm III with Corteva Agriscience’s molecular stack for insect control and the Enlist corn trait will give our customers the ability to protect yield while extending the durability of industry-leading trait technology,” says Tony Klemm, global corn portfolio leader for Corteva.