SmartStax facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Smartstax
Genuity Smartstax logo
Development Status
Developer:	Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences
Currently Available in:	Corn
Coming Soon In:	Cotton, Soybean, and specialty crops
Introduced to Market:	2009
Website:	http://www.genuity.com/Traits/Corn/Genuity-SmartStax.aspx
Technologies
Herbicide Tolerance:	Roundup Ready 2 and Liberty Link
Insect Protection	VT Triple Pro and Herculex Xtra
Seed Treatment	Acceleron

SmartStax is a special type of genetically modified (GM) corn seed. It was created by two big companies, Monsanto Company and Dow Chemical Company. This seed helps corn plants protect themselves from insects and tolerate certain herbicides (weed killers).

SmartStax seeds use several different technologies. These include Yieldgard VT Triple and RoundUp Ready 2 from Monsanto. They also use Herculex Xtra and Liberty Link from Dow. These features help protect the corn from bugs that eat the plant above and below the ground. They also make the corn resistant to common weed killers.

SmartStax is currently used for corn. However, similar versions for cotton, soybean, and other special crops are planned for the future. Before SmartStax, most GM plants had only up to three extra genes added. SmartStax is special because it has eight extra genes. It also uses Monsanto's Acceleron Seed Treatment System. This system protects the seeds from insects right when they start to grow. SmartStax is sold under the Genuity name by Monsanto. Dow sells it under their Mycogen brand.

How SmartStax Fights Pests

SmartStax seeds are designed to fight many different kinds of pests. These include insect larvae (baby insects) that eat corn plants. Some of these pests eat the plant above the ground. Examples are the European corn borer and the corn earworm. Other pests eat the plant's roots below the ground. These include the western corn rootworm. SmartStax helps the corn plant defend itself against all these harmful insects.

Protecting Against Resistance

To keep insects from becoming resistant to GM corn, farmers use a special method. They plant a small area of regular corn plants next to the SmartStax corn. This area is called a "refuge." Insects can live in this refuge without being exposed to the GM technology.

This helps prevent insects from developing resistance over time. If a few insects are naturally resistant to the GM corn, they will mate with the non-resistant insects from the refuge. This mixing helps slow down the development of "super bugs" that could survive the GM technology.

Promoting SmartStax Corn

SmartStax corn has been advertised in many ways. You might have seen ads on TV, at farm shows, or online. Monsanto has worked hard to get farmers ready for this new seed. Both Monsanto and Dow sell SmartStax. They can also sell it under other names and add more technologies if they want to.

Dealing with Resistant Pests and Weeds

Sometimes, weeds and insects can become resistant to certain treatments. Recently, some weeds have started to show resistance to weed killers like Roundup. Weeds like horseweed and pigweed have been found growing even with these treatments. Some insects, such as the corn rootworm, have also started to show signs of resistance.

Scientists are always working to develop new products to deal with these challenges. The USDA approves the use of Bt crops like SmartStax.

Genes and Traits in SmartStax

SmartStax corn is made by combining traits from four different genetic changes. These changes give the corn special abilities. The traits include protection against insects and tolerance to herbicides. These traits help the corn grow strong and healthy.