In the works for several years, a new Bacillus thuringiensis protein in corn got conditional registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week. The Cry1F protein, while in the same family as other Cry1 proteins already in YieldGard hybrids, this new variant shows some interesting properties, including low toxicity to non-target pests.

The Cry1F protein has activity against European corn borer, Southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm and black cutworm. The biotech event was developed in partnership by Mycogen Seeds and Pioneer, a DuPont Company. This conditional registration allows for planting of the crop and marketing it for use in the United States. However, the late-May timing combined with both companies' conservative approach to the biotech market mean only limited acreage may be planted this year.

The EPA registration is good through Sept. 30. During September, the environmental agency will be finishing up its comprehensive reassessment of all Bt use in crops. In its announcement of the Cry1F registration, EPA says it will "use data from this time-limited registration as one component of its comprehensive reassessment of all Bt plant-incorporated protectants."

The Cry1F protein is incorporated into corn plants using biotechnology. This new protein use has not been cleared for markets in Europe or Japan, at this time. Although registration and scientific materials have been submitted to these potential markets.

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