DuPont Launches MAXIMUS(TM) Rapeseed Hybrids in Europe

Brussels, Belgium (ots/PRNewswire) -

- Agronomic performance of product results in extremely high
grower satisfaction

The market leader of semi-dwarf rapeseed hybrids to the European
market, DuPont, through its subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc. is introducing Pioneer MAXIMUS(TM) Rapeseed hybrids.

As demand for rapeseed continues to grow to meet the needs of the
oilseeds market and the increasing demand for biofuels, Pioneer is
excited about the potential of MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids to
revolutionize rapeseed production in Europe. "MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed
hybrids from Pioneer have demonstrated strong results for growers,
including increased yields and increased grower profitability," said
Alejandro Munoz, Vice President, Pioneer European Operations.
"Growers have also realized the advantages of this product line in
terms of simplicity in planting and crop management."

"MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids from Pioneer are the result of
Pioneer's unique hybridization system, which combines novel rapeseed
traits, such as the MAXIMUS(TM) dwarfing gene, to further improve the
profitability of winter rape growing in Europe," he stated.

The first MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrid from Pioneer that is
registered in key European rapeseed markets for the 2006/07 growing
season is named PR45D01. This is the first of many of these unique
semi-dwarf rapeseed hybrids that will be marketed under the Pioneer
MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids brand. MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids from
Pioneer offer growers numerous benefits including, but not limited
to, reduced input requirements from equipment, fuel, and chemicals,
significantly improved standability, wider planting window, increased
harvest index and increased yields resulting in higher grower
profitability.

With its high grain and oil yield in combination with excellent
standability, MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids provide growers with more
value per bag of seed than similar hybrids currently on the market.
Also, with the short plant height of MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids,
growers do not have to apply a growth regulator under most conditions
and the shorter plant height makes it easier to enter the field for
spraying.

In addition, the grain produced on each plant is more evenly
distributed, enabling resistance to lodging (or leaning) allowing
growers to harvest more quickly and in multiple directions for
improved harvestability.

The MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids product line is an example of the
research-related advances currently underway for oilseeds at Pioneer.
The company is using an integrated product development approach,
combining the benefits from both traditional and modern breeding
techniques, extensive field testing and leading-edge genetic
technologies to produce hybrids with superior production and food
processing characteristics.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is
the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers,
livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors. With
headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced
plant genetics, crop protection solutions, and quality crop systems
to customers. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont
puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a
better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in
more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative
products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition,
electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and
construction, transportation and apparel.

(R), (TM) Trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

ots Originaltext: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Mike Hall, Communications Manager, Europe, +32-(0)-472-851-099,
mike.hall@pioneer.com , or Stephanie Jacobson, Public Affairs
Manager, mobile, +1-515-334 6515, +1-515-201-3496, mobile,
stephanie.jacobsonb@pioneer.com , both of Pioneer Hi-Bred
International ; NOTE TO EDITORS: Extremely high grower satisfaction
confirmed by a recent survey of a representative group of OSR growers
in Germany with commercial and/or trial experience of MAXIMUS(TM)
rapeseed hybrids:
-- 100% of respondents with commercial experience and comparative
trial experience with other rapeseed hybrids on the market expressed
their intention to purchase MAXIMUS(TM) rapeseed hybrids from
Pioneer next season. -- 90% of respondents with commercial experience
of the product expressed their intention to purchase MAXIMUS(TM)
rapeseed hybrids from Pioneer next season.