What is “traited” (GMO) corn?

Traited corn is genetically engineered to express specific agronomic traits such as:

  • Herbicide tolerance
  • Insect resistance
  • Stacked trait combinations

Herbicide-tolerant traits allow certain herbicides to be sprayed over the crop without injuring the corn.

Why can GMO corn be sprayed with herbicides?

Herbicide-tolerant corn contains genes that allow the plant to survive herbicide applications that would normally kill conventional corn.

This enables growers to:

  • Control emerged weeds post-plant
  • Reduce tillage
  • Improve weed management flexibility

What is Roundup Ready® corn?

Roundup Ready® corn is tolerant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in many Roundup® herbicides.

When sprayed:

  • Weeds are killed
  • Corn survives

Glyphosate inhibits the EPSPS enzyme in plants, but the traited corn expresses a resistant version of that enzyme.

What is LibertyLink® corn?

LibertyLink® corn is tolerant to glufosinate herbicides (e.g., Liberty®).

Glufosinate works by disrupting nitrogen metabolism in plants. Traited corn can detoxify the herbicide, allowing the crop to survive while weeds die.

What are stacked herbicide traits?

Many modern hybrids contain multiple herbicide tolerances, such as:

  • Glyphosate + glufosinate
  • Glyphosate + dicamba
  • Glyphosate + 2,4-D

Stacked systems provide more weed control options and resistance management flexibility.

Can you spray Roundup® on any corn?

No.

Glyphosate can only be sprayed over:

  • Roundup Ready® corn
  • Stacked hybrids with glyphosate tolerance

Spraying non-traited corn will result in severe crop injury or death.

Does spraying herbicide affect yield?

When used correctly, herbicide programs:

  • Protect yield by reducing weed competition
  • Improve nutrient and moisture availability
  • Enhance harvest efficiency

Misapplication or resistance issues can reduce effectiveness.

Is traited corn safe for consumption?

Yes. GMO corn undergoes regulatory review by USDA, EPA, and FDA to ensure food, feed, and environmental safety.

For more information, please see links below:

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