New corn technologies aim to boost yield strengthen crop protection
Vylor has announced a major corn innovation roadmap that is expected to guide the company's technology development through 2035. The plan was unveiled ahead of Vylor's planned separation from Corteva and highlights several new technologies designed to improve corn production, crop protection, and farmer profitability.
Corn remains one of the world's most important crops, and global demand is expected to continue increasing in the coming years. To help farmers meet this demand, Vylor plans to introduce several advanced breeding, biotechnology, and gene-editing platforms over the next decade.
A key highlight of the roadmap is a new trait designed to improve both yield and yield stability. Field trials conducted across the Americas showed that the technology delivered an average increase of three bushels per acre, with some locations reporting gains of up to ten bushels per acre. The technology aims to help farmers maintain strong yields under varying growing conditions.
The company expects its future corn portfolio to generate significant value while expanding options for growers. Vylor estimates that its corn innovations and licensing activities could contribute more than $2 billion in additional revenue by 2035.
The first major launch is planned for Latin America in 2028. Farmers are expected to gain access to a new technology platform designed to provide effective control of fall armyworm, one of the region's most challenging crop pests. The platform will also include herbicide tolerance and features intended to help improve yield performance.
Another generation of insect protection technologies is being developed to provide additional modes of action against damaging pests. These innovations are expected to help farmers manage resistance challenges while maintaining effective crop protection.
Beginning in 2029, North American growers are expected to benefit from next generation above-ground insect control technologies combined with advanced yield traits. These products are intended to improve both productivity and crop performance.
"Corn is already one of the most planted crops in the world and its importance will only continue to grow. Our pipeline changes the game through 2035 with the industry's first-ever trait designed to improve yield and yield stability," said Sam Eathington, chief technology officer of the future Vylor.
He added, "In field trials across the Americas, corn with this trait took outstanding performance to a new level by delivering an incremental three bushels per acre on average, with gains of up to 10 bushels per acre1."
Vylor also plans to introduce a gene-edited multi-disease resistant corn platform. This technology is expected to provide protection against multiple diseases that commonly affect corn production. By reducing disease pressure, farmers may be able to improve crop health and maintain stronger yields throughout the growing season.
Additional innovation will include reduced stature of corn products. These shorter plants are designed for specific farming systems where they can deliver added value through improved management flexibility and crop performance.
The roadmap also includes a major advancement in below-ground insect control. Planned for launch in North America in 2031, the technology will target corn rootworm using two new non-Bt modes of action. One of these solutions is expected to be plant-based, representing a first for the industry.
According to the company, these innovations will create one of the industry's most comprehensive corn portfolios. Farmers will have access to a broad range of technologies through different marketing and licensing channels.
Vylor's strategy is built around three main priorities. The first is maintaining a strong focus on farmer needs by investing in tools that consistently provide value on the farm. The second is using elite germplasm and genetics to strengthen brands and expand licensing opportunities. The third is developing proprietary biotechnology and gene-editing platforms that support long-term growth and innovation.
Backed by more than a century of corn breeding and genetics expertise, Vylor believes its innovation roadmap will support continued leadership in the global corn market while helping farmers improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability for years to come.
Photo Credit: corteva