Pioneer Hi-Bred will be launching eight hybrids this year across five hybrid platforms that company officials say will add yields in water limited environments.

In 2011, Pioneer will target western Corn Belt areas with its Optimum Aquamax hybrids in limited quantities. These hybrids contain a collection of native corn traits that improve water access and use.

Pioneer officials say its research trials show Optimum Aquamax hybrids have an average 5% yield advantage over leading commercially available competitor and other Pioneer brand corn hybrids. From 2008 to 2010, Pioneer tested the hybrids in 223 water-limited efficiency trials in Nebraska, California, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Pioneer used its proprietary Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT) system to develop these hybrids. This uses tools including molecular breeding techniques to allow researchers to rapidly scan and identify yield boosting and other traits.

The hybrids available in western areas will range in relative maturities from 102-day to 114-day hybrids.

Pioneer has tested these hybrids in other areas and will continue that testing for future releases into regions such as the central and eastern Corn Belt. “We certainly feel these hybrids have a place in those field as well,” says Jeff Schussler, Pioneer senior research manager.

Eventually, it plans to use transgenic technology into Aquamax hybrids later this decade.

“These products will be competitively priced in the marketplace,” says Monica Patterson, Pioneer senior marketing manager.